Everything went as usual. The rear guard who'd been scared off made another contribution, then was abandoned amid heartfelt remembrance.
In theory, though, this wasn't good news.
Although things had changed and they'd gained a little information, it wasn't enough.
At least as far as Fu Qian was concerned, it was still nowhere near enough to free the team from their predetermined fate.
As an outstanding team member recognized by the Sage, he walked in the middle of the group with an even clearer conscience, silently weighing their current situation.
Meanwhile, the other members' gazes were somewhat complicated.
Although the Old Man had vouched for him, Fu Qian's strange behavior along the way had clearly become apparent to everyone, making it hard for the team's feelings toward him to be uncomplicated.
Scrooge was the exception, of course. His eyes flickered with a considerable amount of murderous intent.
Fu Qian wasn't surprised.
Scrooge, Ess, and Charlotte made quite a trio. Their bearing and mannerisms, along with the far more VIP treatment they received compared to the other team members, all suggested that they were either rich or powerful.
The rich and powerful weren't all petty and vindictive, but most likely had a well-developed set of values.
Their attitude toward the cannon fodder earlier had already offered a glimpse of what those values entailed. Clearly, none of the three would be easily constrained by the interests of the team.
Just because you did the right thing didn't mean I should have to take a punch for it.
Fortunately, Fu Qian was just as clear-eyed about this sort of situation. He had no intention of burying the hatchet.
"Sage, is there a reason for these eyes?"
The next moment, he turned his attention to another question.
"They don't seem to be just glowing,