"The only way to transport a thousand people would be by train." Michael reasoned, pointing at one of the train stations.

"Once we get the passengers on board, there will be no stopping the moving fortress. As long as Generals don't catch a whiff of us and derail the train before we depart, we will get away right under their nose."

Glancing at Leo, he added. "During the festival you saw how the trains functioned, correct? Can I count on you to silence the noise it's going to create? We only need to start it once and depart towards Azure."

While some of the train trails towards the city had been busted, several were still operational. The aliens had kept them as a welcome message to any soldiers that may try to slay them.

It had never occurred to them that someone could use them to get out of the settlement.

Leo nodded. "Meddling with the structure would make it unusable in the long run, but it should last one trip."

With a frown, Karson interrupted.

"We might be able to move the civilians by train. However, what do you suggest we do about the lingering aliens? It would take for a single one to spot us before departing to screw us over."

Unsurprised by the pushback, Michael grinned.

"This is why we are going to distract them."

His plan was simple. With Celestia being such a large city, there were obviously going to be numerous rulebreakers that would cause trouble for others. As such, there were prisons spread all over the settlement, containing all kinds of dangerous criminals.

Now what would happen if these people that had a history of wreaking havoc were to cause disorder all over the city, diverting the aliens' attention?

It wouldn't be unreasonable to say that they could move a thousand people undetected under the aftermath.

Karson began to laugh. "So let me get this straight, your plan is to rely on people that think of only themselves to save the unfortunate civilians?"

From the Master's point of view, the idea sounded absurd. Being a soldier who followed protocols to a tee, the thought that humans who went against the grain could be anything other than liabilities was unthinkable to him.

Michael shrugged. "It's actually going to be very efficient. And it's clear you aren't going to do the convincing… I am."

"..."

Karson bit his tongue, clearly offended, but with Stephen's gaze on him, he couldn't retaliate.

Even if Michael's plan didn't sound perfect, it was the only thing that they could rely on. While in theory they could sacrifice their lives to divert the aliens' attention away from the civilians, no one was going to do that. And Michael wasn't losing those close to him.

"I can vouch for him." Evelyn supported his claim. With a Grandmaster agreeing to the plan, the others found it hard to go against the idea.

Since the food the survivors had was barely going to last them a week, they had to make haste.

In a timely manner they spread into teams. The troops of Azure would secure the train station. Simultaneously, Vespera's soldiers would secure the path that the civilians would need to travel in order to reach their transportation.

And Michael was going to use his speed to travel from prison to prison, rounding up the criminals.

Naturally, all members of the Indomitable Alliance wanted to join him, but he refused.

The more people there were, the more restricted their movements would be.

"We wish you luck on your endeavor!" Peter and his people saluted in respect. They were going to remain at the shelter in case any danger showed up.

Seeing the recently arrived soldiers departing so soon after coming to their shelter caused murmurs to spread among the civilians.

"Mommy, are they not going to help us after all?" A small girl felt her eyes become moist.

"It's going to be alright. They are going to take us out of here." Her mother soothed her.

Michael overheard their conversation. Not wanting to cause more stress than necessary, he went to reassure them.

"Don't worry. We are just going out to secure your transport. In less than a week, your life is going to be back to normal."

His warm smile and handsome face managed to calm down the little girl.

"It's a promise!" She beamed, holding out her pinky finger.

"A promise." Michael chuckled, finding the gesture endearing.

Unwilling to waste more time, they headed out.

"While I am gone, you will listen to Victoria's orders as if they are my own." Michael ordered Cyberfang. Even if Evelyn seemed like the better choice due to her higher realm. She had to focus on the Generals.

[As you wish.]

The tiger bowed its head in submission.

Silently Victoria clenched her fist in happiness. Regardless of how long it was going to last, she had full control over their adorable pet!

Ava's eyes burned with determination as she watched Michael's back. She had learned not to waste energy worrying about him. Instead of focusing on things she couldn't control, she would concentrate on what she could change.

[Dash activated.]

Michael shot towards the nearest prison. Before heading out, he memorized where he needed to go.

With Natalia's technique still active, he found it easier to sneak past any aliens that were scouting the areas.

"As expected." A smile spread on his face, observing the first target.

The second reason he had chosen to go towards the prisons was because he knew how the aliens tended to think.

Obviously they were going to massacre the humans in the city. But what about the ones that were locked into cells?

Since they weren't going anywhere, the aliens would refrain from killing them, keeping them alive for experimentations of all kinds. It was a smarter use of their resources.

The prisoners would either obey Michael's orders or be left to rot here until their demise.

Instantly, he summoned Devil's Tongue. The soul weapon was quieter than the shotgun. He needed to kill the aliens defending the entrance to get criminals out.

Thankfully the guards were of the Elite tier.

A daring challenge that most Experts couldn't afford to underestimate. Killing even one of these monsters was a gamble, and facing several was out of the question.

Fortunately, Michael wasn't bound by such limitations…

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