Chapter 225 224

With Onyankopon and the others arriving safely, the final piece of the northern expansion was finally in place.

Lock did not linger in the inland regions. After only brief coordination, he directly led the bulk of the Survey Corps, along with the entire corps headquarters, toward the northern edge of Wall Maria.

Along the way, Onyankopon and the other Volunteers gained a far more concrete understanding of Paradis Island than anything Yelena's descriptions could provide. Seeing it with their own eyes overturned many long-held impressions.

This was not a devil's island.

Nor were its people monsters.

They were ordinary civilians—farmers, craftsmen, soldiers—living ordinary lives. The only difference between them and the people beyond the sea was the blood of Eldia flowing in their veins. Like anyone else, they desired peace, stability, and a future worth believing in.

But in this world, desire alone was meaningless.

If a nation wished to survive—if it wished to live well—it needed strength.

On that front, Paradis Island possessed advantages impossible to ignore. Though its technology still lagged far behind Marley's, it held the Founding Titan, a deterrent unmatched by any conventional military force. Its land was rich in resources, its political power centralized, and its people—having endured generations of oppression—were unusually resilient and disciplined.

Most importantly, its geographical position was ideal.

Paradis lay close to the Marleyan mainland. Unlike other nations that required vast logistical chains to wage war, any future conflict could be brought directly to Marley's doorstep.

For the Volunteer organization—whose sole purpose was revenge against Marley—this made Paradis Island an invaluable ally.

As a result, communication between Lock and Onyankopon proceeded smoothly, with little friction.

When they reached the northernmost district of Wall Maria, Onyankopon was visibly shaken by what he saw.

The sheer number of people gathered there was overwhelming.

"Captain Lock," Onyankopon said slowly, disbelief evident in his voice, "you intend to bring this many people to the northern bay?"

Lock's expression remained calm.

"Yes," he replied evenly. "The bay will become the core development zone of Paradis Island. From there, we will secure the entire northern coastline and establish a coastal region for trade and communication with the outside world."

After a brief pause, he continued:

"Rapid development requires manpower. That is non-negotiable. These people are necessary—and every one of them volunteered."

Onyankopon exhaled quietly, his admiration no longer hidden.

"I understand. You've thought this through thoroughly."

In truth, he had misunderstood something.

This was not merely a sacrifice.

It was conviction.

Lock shifted his attention to the women standing nearby, who had remained silent throughout the discussion.

"How are the preparations?" he asked.

Petra responded immediately.

"Everything is in place. Three thousand five hundred soldiers will escort the migration. Nearly seventy thousand civilians are moving with us. Supplies are sufficient for at least half a year. President Zachary has arranged reserves, and if necessary, additional resources can be requisitioned from within the walls."

She hesitated briefly, then added with concern:

"All of this depends on one thing—whether we can establish and maintain a safe route to the bay. Dina should be able to manage that, correct?"

At that moment, Onyankopon spoke up cautiously.

"Dina… is she the holder of the Founding Titan?"

Lock did not hide the truth.

"Yes. Her power is essential. With her current level of control, safety will not be an issue. She will also oversee the long-term security of the route."

Petra nodded.

"No objections."

Historia and Ymir also voiced their agreement. At this point, both had become indispensable assistants, sharing much of Petra's workload. Without them, managing an operation of this scale would have been impossible.

They were exhausted—but resolute.

Every decision they made now would shape the future of Paradis Island.

They had no choice but to be cautious.

Onyankopon could not help but praise them.

"Very reliable," he said sincerely.

His gaze lingered briefly on Historia, drawn by her gentle presence and striking beauty. Even though she had not fully matured, her calm demeanor left a strong impression.

But Onyankopon quickly reined himself in.

These women were clearly close to Lock.

Whatever thoughts crossed his mind, he crushed them instantly. Revenge against Marley came first—everything else was irrelevant.

Lock noticed the glance but chose not to comment.

A glance was meaningless.

But if Onyankopon ever crossed a line, Lock would ensure he understood the definition of hospitality on Paradis Island.

Without speeches or ceremony, Lock mounted his horse and rode to the front of the formation. Dina Fritz followed closely behind him, while Petra, Historia, and Ymir remained in the central carriages, overseeing logistics.

Under Lock's command, the massive column began to move.

Step by step, the gates of Wall Maria opened.

Beyond them lay land unprotected by stone.

On both sides of the road, civilians gathered in silence, watching the soldiers and volunteers pass. Their expressions were complex—admiration, fear, envy, regret, hope.

Some watched with longing.

Others with doubts.

Some with quiet relief that it was not them walking beyond the walls.

At last, the final ranks passed through the gate.

The enormous stone doors slowly descended, sealing the city once more.

On the other side of the wall, Paradis Island's future had already begun to move forward.

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