42: planning

Inside the council chamber, the tension from Linn's previous threatening words had not yet fully dissipated. This was exactly the effect Linn wanted—to make everyone realize that not just the territory, but they themselves, were at a critical crossroads.

He looked around, his tone softening as he started a new topic: "Alright, we've cleared up the situation of the past. Now, everyone, tell me, which direction should the future of our Iron Sand Island take? Speak freely."

As soon as he spoke, the oppressive atmosphere in the hall diminished significantly. Expressions of contemplation appeared on everyone's faces, and they began to discuss in low voices.

Soon, Angus was the first to step forward, his voice steady: "My Lord, Manager Morton and I have stayed on Iron Sand Island the longest, and we have discussed this privately. With the large number of people and resources you bring back each time, the output of Iron Sand Island and its surrounding subsidiary islands is becoming increasingly difficult to support such a scale of consumption."

Morton immediately took a step forward to supplement, his tone carrying worry: "Young Master, what Angus said is absolutely correct. The grain produced by this island and several others is far from enough. If not for the bountiful spoils from the victory at Flamingo Island, our granary would likely be empty again. Maritime voyages have many variables; if we encounter a persistent storm or other incidents that prevent us from purchasing externally in the future, Iron Sand Island will surely face a serious food crisis."

Linn nodded slightly; this was precisely the hidden concern buried deep in his heart: "Your concerns are exactly what I am worried about. So, do you have any ideas for a solution?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Clay stood up to respond, his gaze sharp: "My Lord, the Salu Archipelago is small, and most of the islands are not suitable for habitation at all. The few large islands with decent conditions are basically in the hands of Baron Nocturne. If we want to expand and obtain enough land and resources, I'm afraid... it's inevitable that we will face Baron Nocturne in battle."

"Then let's fight!" Ocean Jack stood up abruptly, his voice like a great bell, filled with eager excitement. "My Lord, we have strong soldiers and sturdy horses now; our strength is nothing like before! That Nocturne just suffered a great loss at the hands of the Flamingo Pirate Group, and his strength is greatly diminished. This is a god-given opportunity! Strike while he's down! Let's wipe them out in one fell swoop and dominate the entire Salu Sea!" Having just received the authority to expand his unit, his confidence was overflowing.

At this moment, a slightly timid but clear voice rang out: "I... I don't think that's appropriate!" Everyone looked over; it was actually Shirei, standing behind Karl. He took a deep breath and began his first speech at a core meeting: "Captain Ocean Jack's suggestion sounds exciting, but please excuse my bluntness. Baron Nocturne is, after all, a Gold Rank powerhouse, and the number of troops under his command still far exceeds ours. Even if we could win, it would likely be a pyrrhic victory where we lose eight hundred for every thousand enemies killed. Last time we cornered and killed Wolfgang, it cost us the heavy price of one High Silver Rank combatant. Moreover, the Nocturne Family is a branch of an old noble family in the kingdom, with complex and intertwined relationships behind them. Once we completely fall out with them, it will likely do more harm than good for the long-term development of Iron Sand Island."

Ocean Jack was originally quite dissatisfied with this kid interrupting him, but listening to Shirei's clear analysis, the resentment on his face gradually turned into contemplation. He had to admit that his words made sense.

"Shirei's analysis is good!" Linn spoke at this point, affirming the young vice-captain's view and bringing the discussion back to a more rational track. "Actually, I have another concept in mind. Listen and see what you think."

He stood up and spread the map depicting the treacherous terrain of the Storm Sea Region on the table. His finger moved slowly across it, finally stopping at an area far from the Salu Archipelago. "The resources of the Salu Archipelago are limited, and the layout is already set. Even if we exhaust our efforts to dominate the entire archipelago, we will ultimately be trapped in this tiny place. The islands are scattered, and governing them would yield half the result with twice the effort."

His finger landed firmly on the target.

"This... this is the Shattered Star Archipelago further north of the Storm Sea Region!" Hogan gasped as he looked in the direction Linn was pointing. "My Lord, rumors say the Shattered Star Archipelago was formed by a meteor impact in ancient times. The environment is harsh, it's closer to the core area of the Storm Sea Region, and the routes are rarely used; even pirates seldom visit. But there... that is the nest and paradise of Sirens, with countless powerful and eerie Sirens and dangers lurking everywhere. Moreover, to the northwest of the Shattered Star Archipelago, across the sea, lies the 'Great Wilderness Forest' of the Western Continent. It is inhabited by a large number of mixed tribes such as Orcs and Trolls, and it is in total chaos. Back then, the allied forces of the Aolai Kingdom and the Fama Kingdom were defeated by the Dwarf allied forces near that area..."

Hogan added detailed information about the sinister environment and complex situation of the Shattered Star Archipelago.

"Opportunity and danger have always coexisted!" Linn's voice was sonorous, his eyes flashing with an unquestionable light. "My goal is precisely to occupy the Shattered Star Archipelago! Using it as a springboard, we will face the Great Wilderness Forest of the Western Continent across the sea. The ultimate goal is to cross that strait and plant our flag on the land of the continent!"

At this point, a powerful Aura suddenly erupted from Linn. It was a force mixed with ambition, determination, and an incomparable longing, instantly infecting everyone present.

The people in the meeting room felt their blood boil, shocked and inspired by the Lord's grand ambition. They all stood up in unison, right hands over their chests, their voices uniform and filled with loyalty and resolve:

"We swear to the god of dawn that we are willing to follow your footsteps, My Lord, until death!"

"Very well!" Linn suppressed his agitated emotions and looked at Ocean Jack. "Ocean Jack, from today onwards, dispatch capable personnel to form a reconnaissance fleet to sail north and conduct preliminary surveys and explorations of the outskirts of the Shattered Star Archipelago. The primary task is to find a relatively safe island suitable for us to establish a forward base!"

"Yes, My Lord! I guarantee the mission will be completed!" Ocean Jack accepted the order with great enthusiasm. Thinking of the magnificent prospect of galloping across the continent in the future, his Battle Intent surged.

At this time, the old butler Morton raised a new topic, his tone full of expectation: "Young Master, with the territory and strength you now control, you have already reached the kingdom's standard for being conferred the title of Baron. Should we choose an opportunity to notify the kingdom to send an Inspector for an official visit to Iron Sand Island? Once passed, you will be able to obtain the formal title of Baron."

As soon as these words were spoken, the emotions of everyone present were ignited once again. Their Lord obtaining a formal noble title would undoubtedly be a sign of the territory's increased legitimacy and a leap in status.

Linn pondered for a moment before making a decision: "This matter will be handled after the internal affairs of Iron Sand Island are rectified. At that time, I will personally go to Tianhai City for trade and inform Lord Aldrich, the Governor, of this matter, asking him to mediate on our behalf. Once I am formally conferred as a Baron, our subsequent expansion and pioneering actions will be more legitimate!"

He looked around at his generals and finally ordered: "After you go down, hurry up and reorganize the army, strengthen training, and strive to improve your own strength. If there is a shortage of potions needed for Cultivation, report it directly to me."

"Yes, My Lord!" Everyone responded in unison, leaving the meeting room in an orderly manner, carrying their aspirations for the future and their soaring morale.