章節 152: Demotion

General Harper stood at attention before Vincent, his posture rigid as he prepared to deliver his report. Vincent sat behind his desk.

"Sir, I have the report on the recent events on Akarios Island," Harper began, trying to maintain a steady tone. "The situation was…"

Vincent cut him off with a sharp gesture. "When did you first realize the situation was beyond control?" His voice was calm, each word precise.

Harper hesitated, feeling the growing pressure. "It became clear that the situation was escalating rapidly, but I believed we could manage it without additional support. I didn't report it immediately because—"

"You didn't report it because you were too focused on your own assessment rather than the safety of our forces," Vincent interrupted, his tone now icy. "Lives were lost, Harper. Lives that could have been saved if you had fulfilled your duty and informed command when it mattered."