Michael's eyes darkened. From a simple glance he knew what Peter and the Adepts following him were thinking.

"Are you certain? You all should know what that means better than anyone."

Even Michael wanted to get out of the settlement as fast as possible.

"Yes, we know what we are doing."

A bittersweet smile spread over Peter's face.

"Celestia is huge. Just because we have rescued a few civilians doesn't mean that there aren't others that are in need of help. Young, elderly, strong, weak. There are many more souls to save."

The man chuckled.

"Besides, I heard the order. You depart in ten minutes, right? Undoubtedly some criminals will be too late to reach you before that. We plan to team up with them, increasing our chances of survival."

In their eyes the criminals had redeemed themselves. Even if they had something to gain, at the end of the day, they had risked their lives to aid the evacuation of the civilians.

"..."

Silently Michael stared at the people ready to die for the cause they believed in. People like these were what humanity needed. Individuals that would rise above the grain and propel the whole species forward.

Yet despite knowing their potential, he wasn't about to force them to go with him. No one had the right to meddle in their choices.

"Soon we will take the city back and defeat the Overlord. When the time comes, it will be beneficial to have people inside."

He said acting like them dying wasn't an option.

"It would be an honor to fight alongside you!"

They saluted in absolute respect.

"Glory to Mankind!"

Unwilling to linger more than necessary, they disappeared, making plans on where to search for more civilians.

Michael, meanwhile, headed to a vantage point. Utilizing Perfect Vision, he scanned the surroundings, making sure that no alien came close.

Approximately after five minutes, human silhouettes appeared over the horizon. They ran with everything they had. Most had pale faces, tired from exhaustion, with tears searing from their eyes and numerous wounds across their bodies.

Missing limbs, broken teeth, life-threatening injuries. It didn't matter. Their whole focus was on reaching the train.

"I—I made it!"

Immense relief washed over the hearts of the redeemed criminals as they climbed aboard.

The train had been split into several sectors. The last cart was meant solely for the ones that had survived after causing havoc.

Knowing that these survivors would be gravely injured, everyone that had even the slightest knowledge about medicine was stationed there, ready to mend their wounds.

"Quick, carry him here!"

"It's going to be alright now."

While the wounded were allowed to pass, the same couldn't be said about a certain group…

"Boss, what is my role?" Richard asked. Michael had instructed him to come with him to the vantage point.

Coldly, Michael raised his hand, pointing at several figures.

"Most of these people are Adepts, with only several Early Experts among them. They should have struggled quite ferociously against the alien's forces as they slowed them down…"

His voice grew colder.

"But some of them are spotless, without any injuries of any kind, and with no trace of exhaustion."

A lightbulb lit up in Richard's head.

"Oh!" The man made a fist and hit his palm in understanding. "You mean that they didn't uphold their end of the deal and just waited for the 30 minutes to pass before approaching us?"

Wordlessly, Michael nodded.

"My work has to concern them, right?" Richard guessed, a smile spreading across his face.

"What are your orders?"

In truth, Michael wasn't surprised that some had tried to save their skin. It was human nature to pick the safest path.

But these criminals had been given strict orders. They had not only failed to redeem their bad deeds but were ready to take advantage of his kindness and the sacrifices of their brethren for their gain.

People like them wouldn't drive humanity forward. Worse, their selfishness would hinder progress and drag the human race backwards.

A grave sin... One that Michael would punish accordingly.

"Don't let a single one survive. As for how to kill them… I leave it up to you."

Obeying, Richard pounced on these humans faster than they could perceive.

"What—"

"Forgive me—"

Their pleas landed on deaf ears. Richard was having none of that. He could understand if some were powerful enough to avoid being injured. But for them to be beaming with so much energy after supposedly distracting the aliens for thirty whole minutes?

It appeared that these criminals had misread Michael's generosity as a weakness. And they were about to pay dearly for that.

The redeemed criminal that had upheld their end of the deal halted momentarily, seeing the rampage the Master was unleashing on some of them.

"Don't mind Richard. He is simply taking care of the trash." Michael's voice brought them back to reality.

"B—boss!"

Even though they were drained, their spirits lit up when they spotted Michael. With newfound power, they pushed towards the train.

Slowly but surely, the trail of humans thinned until it disappeared entirely. With the ten minutes up and no more humans in sight, Michael and the few soldiers that had been lingering outside boarded the train before it departed.

Thanks to Leo's ingenuity, the train didn't alert anyone as it sped off.

When they successfully left the protective barrier of Celestia, the passengers let out a collective sigh of relief.

They had made it out.

With the tension in their bodies dispersing, Enzo felt more confident as he approached Richard.

"You are one crazy person, you know!" Since he had remained outside observing for threats, he had become witness to Richard's slaughter.

"Sure, you might have needed to kill them, but there was no need to enjoy it to such an extent! I fear people might get uncomfortable with you around!" Enzo's worries were valid, since most wouldn't stomach such sights.

Richard erupted into laughter. "Are you supposed to be the idiot of the group?"

"No!" Enzo denied the allegation.

"Yes, he is." Amelia agreed at a moment's notice.

Ignoring the two, Victoria faced Richard.

"His words hold some merit. Even if he freed you, why do you follow Michael, even going as far as to call him Boss?"

It was strange for Peak Master to go so far even if he owed him his life.

The man shrugged. "Because where Michael is, the fun is."

Victoria shook her head, heaving a sigh.

"Regardless, please control yourself. Unhinged people like you tend to cause trouble."

"..."

Richard stared blankly at the members of the Indomitable Alliance. Were they playing him for a fool, or were they really blind to it?

Slowly realizing that they had no idea what they were talking about, he pointed towards Michael, who was busy talking with Stephen, the Grandmaster of Vespera.

"I can read people's state of mind with great precision. This is why I mean every word of what I am about to say next…"

He stared at Michael's crew sincerely.

"In all my long life, I have never encountered a heartless monster, a madman so unhinged, so utterly broken beyond repair as your lovely leader is."

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