Let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow steps.

1. Prepare Pans and Preheat Oven: Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottoms of 2 greased 8-inch round baking pans with parchment paper; grease the paper.

2. Make Cake Batter: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup of the sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add the egg yolks, beating well. Beat in the vanilla extract.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, beating well after each addition.

5. Prepare Meringue: With clean beaters, beat the room-temperature egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon sugar, beating on high until the sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until soft peaks form.

6. Layer Batter and Meringue: Transfer the cake batter evenly into the prepared pans. Spread the meringue mixture evenly over the batter in each pan.

7. Bake: Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center (through the meringue and cake) comes out clean, 12-15 minutes.

8. Cool: Cool completely in the pans on wire racks. (Cake layers will be thin.)

9. Prepare Filling Components: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. In a small bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with the 1/2 teaspoon sugar.

10. Assemble Torte: Loosen the edges of the cooled cakes from the pans with a knife. Carefully remove one cake layer to a serving plate, meringue side up. Arrange the sliced strawberries over the top; sprinkle with any accumulated sugar/juice. Gently spread half of the whipped cream over the strawberries.

11. Add Second Layer: Top with the remaining cake layer, meringue side up. Spread with the remaining whipped cream.

12. Garnish and Chill: Top with additional whole or sliced strawberries, if desired. Refrigerate until serving.

These are clear instructions.