Predicament: Trust and Fear

Hearing that Tartarus had returned with people, Kaleidoscope descended in delight.

Tartarus froze stiffly. Why did everyone assume he could bring an army back...

Shadow Madman spun down like a top as well, folding his arms and grinning. "Tartarus, you're finally back! How many people?"

Jia Wen chimed in, "Ten million!"

This far exceeded Kaleidoscope's expectations, and he praised, "Excellent! Tartarus, you've given me quite a surprise!"

Tartarus was nearly scared out of his wits. Why was everyone asking how many people he had brought back the moment they met him?

Seeing his boss praise him, Tartarus hurriedly exited his mech. His true body descended and bowed low to the ground.

He was not a Golden Crow. His true body was that of an Elegant Folk, resembling a giant ape covered in bone spikes.

He had once been a pirate who lived by the blade. Kaleidoscope had recognized his potential, taken him in, and trained him step by step until he had become a fivefold hybrid, with a bounty exceeding one hundred million and command over thousands of troops.

Without Kaleidoscope, there would be no Tartarus.

At this moment, Tartarus said in extreme guilt, "I'm sorry! Boss, Huang Ji ambushed me. We suffered a crushing defeat, and we had no supplies..."

Kaleidoscope waved his hand gently. "I know all about your situation. Losing was normal. The fact that you managed to preserve ten million fighting men has already exceeded my expectations."

"Where are they? Have them change equipment immediately and familiarize themselves with the new armaments. We don't have much time."

Tartarus shook his head. "I'm sorry. They were all scattered. They couldn't escape back with me."

Everyone froze at those words.

Kaleidoscope said heavily, "What do you mean? You came back alone?"

Tartarus said mournfully, "Yes... I came back