While the other soldiers were still debating, Michael took action, being the first one to step forward. Funnily enough, there was no trace of hesitation in his expression.

"Why am I not surprised?" Grandmaster Alice heaved a sigh, seeing that the people in Michael's crew followed him.

"It has long been overdue. The aliens dared to attack, even conquer, one of our cities. Now we are going to strike back." Grandmaster Noah joined.

With a faint smile, Evelyn did as well.

"Whatever, it's time we do our job." Alice exclaimed, stepping forward as well.

Keeping the city operational, while honorable and important work, wasn't putting them closer to taking back the planet. With Earth and the nearby planets possibly under attack, it was vital to conquer Neptune, reducing the number of possible fronts humanity had to fight in.

Even if Michael and his crew didn't budge the normal soldiers, the sight of the three Grandmasters deciding to partake in the mission changed things.

One by one, brave men and women lined up in several rows.

"This is more than expected." The Lord of Azure mumbled.

Despite giving them the suggestion, he had been certain no one would agree. After all, the swarm was an unconventional enemy that required special tactics to face.

But the fact that so many soldiers with three Grandmasters included had decided to join the operation did put a smile on his face.

'Their chances aren't slim…'

Succeeding would not only mean a major win for humanity but, more importantly, play a nice part to the Lord's image. Since the Immortal Legion had sent replacements from its ranks to govern the three settlements without rulers, Azure's Lord had been worried about falling out of favor with the higher powers.

"Good!" The Lord praised joyfully.

"This will be a cooperation with troops from Vespera, which will be joining your ranks. Your task will be to retake the lost cities!" The ruler declared.

Naturally, the swarm hadn't always been present on Neptune. Once the terrifying terrors appeared on the surface of the planet, they began to devour everything in their path.

While the aliens had devoured every living being in their territories, the settlements themselves were still standing, even if a bit damaged.

Michael, of course, wasn't surprised. While the swarm could devour virtually anything, they only had tendencies to eat things that were either alive or were being operated by a living creature.

In simpler terms, a rider and its mecha would serve as a nice meal for them, but a house wouldn't catch their interest.

"Glory to Mankind!" The chosen soldiers saluted in unison.

With the logistics underway, Azure's troops had a few days of rest before departing.

Curious to see how Peter and the Adepts that the Expert had kept alive under his care were doing, Michael went to greet them. To his surprise, they had begun to warm up to the ex-convicts of Celestia.

"Boss!"

"Sir Michael!"

The moment they saw him appear, they all bowed in unison. Due to his and his crew's actions, they were alive.

"How are you doing?" Michael asked, observing them one by one.

"As good as new!"

Like they claimed, no one looked to be in a critical condition. With their wounds closed off and missing limbs replaced with cybernetics, they seemed battle-ready.

Relieved that they were doing well, Michael was about to leave. But before he could, Peter's words stopped him.

"I heard that you are departing soon on another mission!" The man's eyes were sparkling with admiration as if staring at his idol.

"Even if the Lord of the city didn't give us the chance to partake in the mission, we still wish to join you!" Peter blurted out, saluting in respect.

"For the Boss!"

The ex-criminals also seemed eager to accompany him on his journey.

Michael shook his head. The resolve of these people was commendable. Unfortunately, they were too weak to be of any use. At most they would prove liability if they were to join him.

The swarm wasn't to be underestimated.

Yet he didn't want to shatter their fighting spirit. These people obviously wanted to help.

After a brief consideration an idea came to mind.

"You want to be of use to me?" He chuckled. "Then follow me."

In a timely manner they reached the headquarters of the Golden Goose. There Ford, the founder of the business, greeted them.

"Uncle?! What are you doing here?" Jasmine, the young prodigy, instantly went to welcome him once she learned he had come to pay them a visit.

"How is helping the less fortunate in the outer region going?" Michael was curious about their progress.

Jasmine's emerald eyes began to sparkle like little gems. Puffing her chest, she began to boast.

"It's going wonderfully! Much better than expected! The only thing limiting us is the lack of manpower."

With a nod of understanding, Michael pointed at the people following him.

"These people want to help. Would that work?"

"..."

Carefully Jasmine examined them one by one. After a few minutes she nodded, a smile spreading across her face.

"Yes! Thank you, this will help immensely!"

Glad to hear that Michael silently exchanged glances with Conor, the man whose sole role was to protect the young prodigy.

Even if these ex-criminals were redeemed, there was a certain risk in letting them work for the little girl, considering their past.

Thankfully, however, Conor would make sure that nothing goes wrong and the people are kept in line.

After catching up with the young girl and her father, where Michael gave them some suggestions on how they could help the outer region develop, they bid farewell.

In a flash a few days passed. Vespera's troops had arrived, several familiar faces among them.

"It's good to work with you again." Grandmaster Stephen greeted them with a nod.

Karson, the arrogant Master, snorted. "I don't get why there are Experts coming with us…"

Michael wasn't pleased to see that Karson would be joining their unit. Still, his opinion of the Master improved slightly. Despite Karson's rude nature, the fact remained that the Master had chosen to take part in an operation that many others were too fearful to consider.

Once introductions were finished, they boarded the tigers and departed to the first abandoned settlement. With no train tracks operating, the beast mechas were their most reliable form of transportation.

"Warn us immediately if you sense a living organism, no matter how weak." Michael commanded.

[Roger.]

Cyberfang obeyed.

Moving past the raging blizzard, they officially entered Neptune's dark side.

It didn't take long before a distant sound of constant buzzing reached their ears, growing louder as they approached the horizon…

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