Corruption ravages the human mind, trampling upon that so-called humanity.

To Black Tiger Yang Lie, there is nothing in the world more joyous than this.

He deep down loathes the weak, this inherent aversion twisted into hatred.

The more cruel he is to the things he hates, the more exhilarated he feels.

Beyond mere slaughter, Yang Lie delights in those he deems weak.

Making those closest to each other fight for survival, turning lovers into enemies in an instant, betraying each other for money and benefits, even harming and killing one another.

Humans do possess noble traits, and ought to have lofty nature, but those belong solely to the upper echelons—only the strong deserve such.

As for the weak? They better remain in the mire, coexisting with the trash...

Whenever Yang Lie successfully twists someone else's humanity, he experiences unparalleled ecstasy—a thousandfold more intense than any drug!

The emotions of Apprentice Death Gods are unstable, their personalities inevitably drifting towards extremity...extreme love, extreme hatred, extreme distortion...

Perhaps precisely due to this, they can surpass Mortals and become special existences...

"I've seen too much of so-called friendship."

Yang Lie turned away, sneering: "People always claim they'll cherish their current emotions, make grand vows... say 'life or death'."

"Heh, to me, it's just pathetic emotions maintained for benefit, worthless in the face of true life and death crises."

"Come, prove it to me, Mercenaries."

He glanced contemptuously at Jack, speaking ghostly: "Will you kill your employer with your own hands for survival, earning the greatest profit as a Mercenary..."

"Or will you stick to your original intent, die alongside your employer for the sake of laughable friendship?"

"I'm quite eager to see your choice."

Yang Lie's words were like a hammer, pounding Jack's heart, leaving him momentarily dazed.

Slaying the employer, he would survive.

Among Mercenaries, this actually isn't even considered a choice.

Because no Mercenary would be foolish enough... to not choose the chance to survive.

It's an industry where money talks, yet the most valuable thing isn't what's bought—it is life itself.

Yang Lie was not wrong.

Mercenaries indeed exist for greater profit, they can of course betray employers and commit acts that outsiders deem perverse.

If Jack was a normal Mercenary, he shouldn't hesitate.

However...

Jack felt somehow abnormal.

Since Yun You called him "Hermano (brother)," he wasn't normal anymore.

Uncalled-for tenderness began sprouting within a Mercenary's heart.

Hence between hesitation, he instinctively looked towards Yun You...

It was comical, facing betrayal, he actually sought the "victim's" opinion.

Not surprisingly, Yun You was looking at him too.

What could the little girl possibly be thinking?

Likely regret... and guilt.

After all, the downfall of the Radiant Star team owed much responsibility to Yun You as captain and leader.

She chose an unwinnable task, personally led her comrades into the abyss...

Though ultimately it's not her fault; without intelligence, nobody could foresee Yang Lie's plots, nor discern this enigma...

It's absurd to consider someone's scheme as a victim's incompetence!

But...

Yun You would always think herself at fault.

Just as she blamed that bottle of "fruit wine" she wanted... for her parents' death.

"All of life's regrets stem from inadequate ability."

That's how the little girl thinks.

If back then she hadn't stubbornly wanted the fruit wine, if she hadn't chosen such a task filled with plots, if...she hadn't led her comrades to Yangshan Town...

She wouldn't witness such tragedy, fall into such despair, wouldn't place Jack in such a dilemma!

She despises herself, filled with remorse for Jack and all her kin.

So...

The little girl struggled to raise her head, coughed blood, then gave Jack, her comrades, a tragic smile.

This smile meant...

Do it.

Indeed.

She is already alone, with no one to cherish, no emotion-bearing presence, life akin to muck, struggling in the trash heap called "Nest City."

She's prepared for death long ago, since the first day she left home, her life was placed on a tightrope over a cliff, and should she fall suddenly someday, it isn't odd, nor does it warrant lament...

But Jack isn't the same.

He has a lovely sister, his life still holds hope...

Letting him live isn't only the rational optimal choice, but also an emotional preference.

Jack could certainly understand the meaning in the little girl's smile.

"Damn..."

He gritted his teeth, clenched the dagger tightly, lowered his head, unwilling to look.

Mercenaries too despise their impotence, but clearly, Yun You is right.

Whether rationally or emotionally, he should do so.

There's no hope for reversal, better to follow Yang Lie's words, then there's still a chance of survival.

Dignity? Conviction? Friendship? Ultimately are just vain things.

Jack raised his head, silently murmuring "Sorry"...intending to revert to being a damned Mercenary, doing what he detested all his life...

But at this moment, suddenly at the edge of the girl's eye, he saw a nearly invisible tear.

"...!"

Jack froze in shock, as though something jabbed his heart, feeling a bit numb.

It's his first time seeing Yun You cry while lucid, the tear held too many emotions.

Humiliation...anger...helplessness...but fundamentally, still defiance.

The little girl bit her lip fiercely, scarlet beads mixed with large tears fell together, staining her clothes.

She was truly, truly unwilling...

As a born weakling and bottom dweller, she paid dearly, spilling countless blood and effort, finally gaining a sliver of hope for revenge...

Yet ultimately...could never break this barrier called "power," ultimately fell on the path of vengeance, couldn't achieve even the simplest goal.

She always lied to herself, saying she's broad-minded, indifferent to failures.

But when it truly came to it, the girl couldn't let go, couldn't yield...

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