Steel, Explosives, and Spellcasters

Schler reacted extremely fast, grabbing a firearm: "Fire a warning shot! Don't let them come closer!"

The flash from the muzzle lit up the houses along the street, as well as the expressions of the refugees, as if the door to a furnace had suddenly opened for a moment and then shut immediately.

"Ah!!!"

"Help!"

"Run!"

The crowd of refugees, which had maintained some order, instantly fell into chaos. Startled horses charged wildly, causing people who couldn't dodge in time to scream in terror.

Some ran off the road, burrowing into the houses and woods on both sides. Others, in their desperation, stepped onto the ice lake, attempting to bypass the roadblock.

The ice, on the verge of collapse, emitted prolonged cracking sounds, yet more people kept squeezing onto the ice lake.

"Rioters might be hiding among them!" Schler shouted loudly: "Don't let them..."

The exasperated old Sheriff knocked Schler out cold with the butt of his gun.

"Don't let them onto the ice lake!" Bitler yelled urgently, commanding his militia: "Remove the roadblock, let them in, but don't let them run around... Don't panic! Calm down..."

Some militia followed the orders, but others couldn't hear clearly what the Sheriff had said. Amidst the chaos, a single shout could be drowned out by a wave of desperate cries in an instant.

Bitler grabbed a messenger and bellowed: "Go back and tell the Colonel, tell him what happened here! Even if I wanted to help him, it's beyond my reach now! Tell him!"

The messenger whipped his steed in anger and rushed through the crowd into the night amidst a new round of screams and dodging.

...

At the same time, in the North City District, Constitution Avenue.

The roadblock constructed by the North City militia was also being assaulted by refugees, and although their numbers were much fewer than those of the South City militia, they handled the situation with much more composure.

"Men go to the right! Women and children to the left!" A dozen riders patrolled in front of the street barricade, whirling their vine sticks with a whistling sound, commanding: "Drop your weapons before the roadblock, those carrying weapons into North City will be charged with rioting!"

At the entrances on both sides of the roadblock, similar arguments could be heard:

"We are a family!"

"That doesn't matter! Men must separate from women and children!"

"Why?"

"By Captain Berny's order! Your wife and kids are with the other women, what are you afraid of? Move along!"

Or, for example:

"This is my wagon!"

"Hang this sign on the horse. Take this sign and come back for the horse when it gets light!"

Or:

"You! What are you hiding in your clothes?"

"I-I-I... I'll throw it outside the roadblock right now!"

"Grab him!"

"No! I didn't do anything!"

"Tie him up!"

"What are you doing? I really didn't do anything!"

"Ha, go talk to the Sheriff! Lock him up!"

According to Winters' experience, separating adult men from women and children in emergencies is more conducive to control. Without separation, the safety of women and children cannot be ensured, and men cannot effectively pool their strength.

Therefore, in line with "Captain Berny's" arrangement, the refugees fleeing from Old City were first divided by men and women and children, and then further divided into smaller groups for easier management. Mules, horses, and other livestock were seized, and vehicles like wagons were directly incorporated into the barricades.

Wooden stakes and ropes were used to construct rudimentary fences, dividing the lake beach and the open ground at the foot of the mountains into separate rest areas.

Winters galloped within and outside the barricades, organizing blockages, resolving conflicts, and ensuring that everything proceeded in an orderly manner.

As he gradually put this simple structure into proper operation, an unexpected person came to find him—Councillor John Servette.

"Captain, some respectable ladies in North City are willing to provide some blankets and winter clothes for the refugees, but because of your curfew, I ask you to send someone to receive them." Councillor Servette still wore a stern face: "The residents of Republic Avenue are also willing to provide hot water and meals, I ask for your assistance in distributing them."

"No problem." Winters quickly detailed some personnel, instructing them to take the confiscated wagons and join Servette's men to receive the cold-weather supplies. He also detailed more people to help distribute hot water and food.

Servette silently watched Winters command the militia with ease and made no comment.

After Winters had everything under control, Servette bowed respectfully: "Tonight, on behalf of Steel Fortress, I thank you."

Though Winters was always wearing a helmet, he wasn't sure if Servette recognized his voice. But since the other party didn't reveal it, Winters played along with the act.

"Serving the Republic is my mission." Winters responded with practiced fluency and smoothness. He clicked his heels and extended his hand to Councillor Servette.

Servette was taken aback, slightly raised an eyebrow, and also stretched out his hand.

After the handshake, Servette turned and walked away.

"Mr. Councillor." Winters called out to Servette: "What else are you going to do?"

Servette matter-of-factly stated: "I too have the rights of a citizen, hence I am also a conscripted militiaman. No need for concern; you can command me as you would a regular militiaman."

"That would be a waste." Winters stroked Longwind's mane: "I'm thinking of putting you in charge here."

"Me? And what will you do?"

"I'm going to..."

A hail of hoofbeats interrupted Winters' words.

Xial arrived on horseback, carrying a portly, richly dressed man, stopping in front of Winters.