The alarm was raised by the lookout tower situated on the southwest side.
By the time Xue Quan and Ryan arrived at the scene, the crowds around the port had already been evacuated, and nearly two hundred security forces who had rushed to the news had gathered—they were a guard force jointly formed by the Paradise Foundation and the Temple after the city's defense army was wiped out, basically equipped with pistols and automatic rifles. Although their training time was short and their numbers were not many, their superior weaponry was more than sufficient for maintaining public order.
"Commander Xue!" When team leader Lei Duo saw Xue Quan, he immediately saluted him.
The latter saluted back and then cast his gaze toward the sea. He didn't need to ask to understand what was happening—several steam warships were approaching the port, trailing billowing black smoke, their twin turrets on the bow clearly distinguishable.
