This time, he thought about it for a long time, but every second that passed meant the situation was getting worse and worse, and the defenders on the shore were becoming more and more passive.

A minute and a half later, Bernhardt looked up and actually looked at Dingle. He didn't say anything, but that look was enough to show his plea for help.

Bernhardt was no longer able to make a wise decision on his own.

Facing Bernhardt's gaze, Dingle lowered his fist, which was supporting his chin, and looked at him with a cold expression, saying:

“If the enemy enters the pass, they will be able to land in the inner bay without restraint. Once their forces spread to a point where we cannot contain them, the entire western coast will be engulfed in war.”

"We must do our utmost to use the existing coastal defenses to intercept and wear down the enemy forces."

"Since the Black Powder Fleet couldn't retaliate, they became the guides for the Yan Kingdom's fleet..."

At this point, Dingle paused, shifting his gaze from Bernhardt's face to the people around him, before continuing:

"We must intercept them all and prevent any warship from entering."

After saying the last sentence, his gaze returned to Bernhardt's face.

Bernhardt was stiff with shock, feeling as if he had fallen into an ice cave after hearing these words. Just a few days ago, he had given the order to send reinforcements, but tonight he learned that the order had cost countless lives.

Now, complete interception means that those on the Black Powder Fleet will also face death.

"Sir, we must make a decision promptly. The enemy is closing in on us. The longer we delay, the more the situation will turn against us," Dingle said in a deep voice.

Bernhardt opened his mouth, but still no sound came out.

At this moment, for the first time, this old man, who had fought in marches and battles for decades, felt a sense of the absurdity of war.

From the former Gothic Empire to the present-day Delta Federation, more than a decade of almost non-stop warfare has taken place. The nation has developed to its current state, and its strength is clearly visible, all thanks to the wars.

How can war have become so absurd and ridiculous today? So ridiculous that we have to fire artillery at our own people just to stop the enemy's advance caused by the war.

War brings glory and pride, but Bernhardt feels none of that now. He only feels that the enemy brought by war is so cruel, forcing him to make cruel orders.

At this point, he finally said:

Let's do it this way.

As soon as the order was given, the officers rushed out of the command room, and Dingle also jogged off to make more detailed arrangements.

In the empty command room, Bernhard slumped into a chair, took off his hat to reveal a full head of white hair, then covered his face with his hands, his whole body trembling uncontrollably, and painful groans gradually escaping from between his fingers.

"Lord...forgive me, a sinner..."