I steadied myself and looked at her.
"Thank you, Miss Fren. But why did you come here?"
"That should be my question right now!" she scolded.
I stared at her, slightly baffled. She showed no fear.
Most women I had met — whether during military operations or among civilians — feared me. They saw a machine. A man without emotion.
"What is your rank, Miss Fren?" I asked.
She sighed.
"Commander…" She hesitated, carefully choosing words that would not get her imprisoned — or worse.
Then she spoke firmly.
"First, sir, you should not be lying on the floor. It does not look good for a commander. I will help you stand. After that, I will tell you my rank."
I considered her words for a moment before nodding.
I allowed her to help me up.
Once I was standing, I adjusted my uniform.
"Now," I said, a slight edge entering my voice, "your rank."
She immediately straightened her posture.
"Private Third Class. Anti-Air Division 909. Marry Fren reporting, sir!"
"Very well, Private Fren. Why did you come here?"
She did not hesitate.
"I want to join your assault on Dravencross City."
"Denied."
Before she could respond, a group of men in white uniforms rushed into the room. Colonel Dickson entered alongside them.
"Commander!" He paused briefly before speaking again. "Are you alright? We heard the emergency alarm. What happened?"
"Colonel, I'm fine…" I exhaled quietly, relieved that someone still cared for me.
He had always been my role model.
"Are you certain, Anderson?" he asked softly.
That side of him… I had not seen it since I was sixteen years old.
"Yes," I replied firmly. "I'm alright."
"At least allow the doctors to examine you."
I sighed before finally agreeing.
The doctors immediately began their work. They checked my condition, monitored my vitals, and continued the examination for nearly an hour.
Once they finished, the head doctor stepped forward. He cleared his throat before looking directly at me.
By then, he had the attention of everyone in the room — including Colonel Dickson and Lieutenant Fren.
"Commander," he began carefully, "I believe it would be best if you rested and temporarily handed command to someone else during the operation to capture the city."
He paused before continuing.
"Your body is completely exhausted. If this continues, you risk suffering a heart attack due to severe fatigue and lack of rest."
I looked at him calmly.
Part of me understood that he was speaking the truth.
But I refused to accept it.
Finally, I spoke.
"No. I will go."
My voice remained cold and steady.
"There is nothing in this world that can stop me except God Himself."
"But sir—"
"No means no."
Silence filled the room.
"Even if my body breaks… command continues."
I slowly clenched my fist.
"Even if the next battle becomes my last."
The doctor looked at me with pity in his eyes.
Then he nodded.
He gestured toward the nurses, and they began packing the medical equipment. Once everything was prepared, he approached me again and handed me several medicines, carefully explaining when I should take them.
After the nurses left the room, he remained behind for a moment.
Then he spoke quietly.
"The world is not simply black and white, Commander. You do not need to destroy yourself just to make it brighter."
He gave a faint smile.
"I wish you the best. May God be with you."
After saying those words, he left the room.
I remained silent.
His words were difficult to understand.
For the first time in years… I felt confused.
I turned toward Colonel Dickson.
"Colonel Dickson, inform the 202nd Infantry Battalion to prepare for departure."
"Yes, sir," he replied with a heavy breath.
"And inform Colonel Kavira Sten that she will accompany me."
"Yes, sir."