Still overwhelming odds.
Ethan stood slowly, his mind racing through tactical possibilities. Every piece of information painted a darker picture of their situation.
We can't run. We can't hide. We can't fight conventionally.
His subjects watched him with desperate hope, trusting their Lord to find solutions where none seemed to exist.
Their faith pressed down on his shoulders like a physical burden, but also fueled his determination.
Thirty-six hours. Not much time, but it'll have to be enough.
Ethan turned sharply toward Jacoub, his voice carrying urgent authority.
"Jacoub! Drop everything else. I need those residential buildings constructed immediately."
The architect blinked in surprise, his mind still processing the interrogation's revelations.
"My Lord? The construction timeline requires—"
"Hours, not days," Ethan cut him off. "I don't care if you have to work through the night. Use every available worker. Maximum priority."
