The Truth More Cruel Than Lies

Three days!

A full three days!

Alvin didn't know how he managed to endure it!

Seventy-two hours, four thousand three hundred and twenty minutes, two hundred and fifty-nine thousand two hundred seconds—he had counted every moment.

Tark's training was insane, giving him absolutely no time to rest.

Mornings were spent on stealth, camouflage, and concealing his presence. Afternoons were dedicated to close-quarters combat, unarmed fighting, enduring blows, and escaping.

If it weren't for the "Compound V" injection that drastically improved his physique and recovery speed, Alvin would have been completely broken by Tark's high-intensity training!

Finally, after Alvin painstakingly endured the three days, he received Tark's disdainful evaluation.

"Very good, congratulations, kid," Tark flicked ash from his cigarette and sneered. "You're about as useful as a six-year-old Catachan now."

Alvin didn't care about the evaluation; in fact, he was a little pleased.

Being comparable to a six-year-old Catachan was quite a high compliment. After all, on Catachan, if a six-year-old couldn't kill a cultist with a stale bread roll, they likely wouldn't survive to adulthood. Getting this evaluation, wasn't that high praise indeed?

"Mr. Tark, thank you very much for these three days of training."

Alvin knew Tark didn't have to train him. It wasn't entirely because of Aruman.

Therefore, no matter what, these three days were a kindness he would never forget.

"Don't thank me. Just be glad you came back alive."

Tark lounged on the sofa, lighting a cheap cigarette. "What I taught you should be enough. It's a shame the time was too short. You've got good talent, kid. If you'd given me another six months, I'd be confident in training you into a proper Catachan jungle fighter!"

He had to admit, he was starting to look forward to it. Alvin imagined himself as a Catachan jungle fighter.

With his Psykana as a trump card, erupting at critical moments, it would surely be unexpected!

But as much as he dreamed, one had to be realistic. Alvin gave a wry smile and shook his head, reluctantly handing over the Catachan Combat Knife that had been with him for three days. "Mr. Tark, I'm returning this combat knife to you."

No Catachan warrior valued anything more than their "Combat Knife." Furthermore, throughout the entire Imperium, Catachan Combat Knives were considered the pinnacle of craftsmanship!

Many Commissars, Astra Militarum officers, and nobles considered it an honor to possess a Catachan Combat Knife.

To his surprise, Tark merely glanced at the offered knife and didn't reach for it, remaining seated. "You can borrow the knife for now. Return it to me when you get back."

Alvin hesitated for several seconds before solemnly sheathing the combat knife. "Thank you, Mr. Tark. I won't forget this kindness."

"Get lost. Come find me here in a month."

Tark still wore his usual disdainful expression and waved his hand impatiently.

Alvin wasted no more words. He tidied his gear and headed back the way he came.

Leaving the underhive, Alvin didn't rush to cross over. He still had one thing to do.

The three days of Catachan training had benefited Alvin immensely. His camouflage skills had advanced by leaps and bounds, allowing him to easily pass the Iron Hammer Gang's checkpoints and return to the South District.

In just over half a month, the South District had undergone earth-shattering changes.

First, the Bone Gang, which had previously ruled the South District, was directly eliminated and absorbed by the Iron Hammer Gang. The number of Scavengers on the streets had decreased significantly, replaced by gang members.

These gang members wore Iron Hammer insignia. Far from their usual oppressive and arrogant demeanor, they were even actively maintaining order.

It was damn strange. Gangsters acting like they were running a charity!

Observing the "thriving" scene, Alvin lowered his gaze, a complex feeling welling up inside him.

He knew clearly that the Iron Hammer Gang wasn't doing this out of newfound conscience.

It was to recruit more members and then wait for the opportune moment to flood the Mid-hive and even the Upper-hive, spreading Chaos throughout the entire hive city!

Alvin understood this all too well, but he was powerless to stop it.

Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly spotted a familiar figure enthusiastically distributing Energy Bars to arriving Scavengers at the Iron Hammer Gang's free food stall.

Was that Emerich?!

Although it was just a fleeting glimpse, Alvin was absolutely certain he hadn't mistaken him!

Emerich had joined the Iron Hammer Gang!

His specific trip to the Underhive's South District was partly to avoid the Tech-Priests and partly to find Emerich and his sister, intending to introduce them to Tark and get them away from this dangerous place.

But who would have thought that in just over ten days, Emerich would join the Iron Hammer Gang?

Wasn't he jumping straight into the fire?

Alvin wouldn't claim to be a good person, but the tragic experiences of the siblings couldn't help but evoke a sliver of sympathy in him.

At the very least, he could help the siblings within his capabilities.

The line for food was very long. To avoid drawing attention, Alvin had to join the end of the queue.

It took him a full two hours before it was finally his turn.

Emerich skillfully handed over two Energy Bars, casually saying, "As long as you join the Iron Hammer Gang, you can get a portion of Nutrient Paste every day~"

But as soon as he finished speaking, the boy heard the person in front of him lower their voice and say, "Emerich, do you remember me?"

Alvin's words caused Emerich to pause, his head snapping up in disbelief as if he'd been electrocuted.

Upon seeing Alvin's disheveled and dirty appearance, looking like a completely different person, he quickly understood. A flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes.

But he was cautious and didn't call out his name immediately. Instead, he handed his work over to other members and gestured for Alvin to follow him with his eyes.

The two arrived at the backyard of a bar. After confirming no one had followed them, Emerich excitedly whispered, "It really is you, Mr. Alvin! I never expected to see you again!"

"I came specifically to find you, Emerich."

Alvin got straight to the point. "I'll give you a name and an address. Take your sister to him and tell him I sent you. He'll help you leave the Underhive."

Faced with this sudden surprise, Emerich's mouth hung open. He was stunned for a full half-minute before stammering, "Mr. Alvin, you..."

"Don't ask so many questions. Hurry up and go, the sooner the better."

Alvin interrupted the boy, an unintentional hint of sternness in his voice. "Emerich, the Iron Hammer Gang is dangerous!"

However, despite Alvin's warning, Emerich remained silent for a long time.

"You don't trust me?"

Alvin raised an eyebrow, his gaze gradually turning cold.

"No, Mr. Alvin, I absolutely believe you wouldn't harm us."

Emerich lowered his head, like a child who had done wrong. Biting his lip, he said resolutely, "But I can't leave. Please forgive me for not accepting your kindness, Mr. Alvin."

"Give me a reason."

Alvin's eyes were indifferent as he looked at Emerich, as if seeing a stranger.

"Mr. Alvin, not long after you left, Buck was going to sell my sister." Emerich's face was filled with bitterness, his fists clenched, his whole body trembling. "I... I couldn't beat Buck at all. It was Mr. Kolch from the Iron Hammer Gang who saved us!"

"Mr. Kolch was very good to us. He let me join the Iron Hammer Gang, gave me a weapon, and let me get revenge..."

"I... I can't betray Mr. Kolch."

Emerich didn't dare to meet Alvin's eyes. "Besides, the Iron Hammer Gang isn't as terrible as you imagine. Mr. Kolch said everyone gathered together just to survive. The Iron Hammer Gang will make the Underhive a better place. So... please forgive me, Mr. Alvin."

Alvin looked at Emerich and sighed deeply. He didn't say another word and turned to leave.

He couldn't change the boy's mindset, let alone tell Emerich that the gang he spoke of, which aimed to let everyone survive, was actually a cult organization that worshipped Khorne!

This path was one Emerich had chosen himself. He had already given him a chance.

The truth was more cruel than any lie.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Alvin!"

From behind him, Emerich's apologetic voice called out.

But Alvin didn't look back. His one act of kindness couldn't change the fate of the siblings.

Damn Tzeentch!

He vented his helplessness in his heart.

A moment later, in the depths of an empty alley, Alvin looked down at the watchband on his wrist. "Navigator System, proceed to the New World."

A black hole swallowed him whole, and he vanished silently!

A new month, asking for a few monthly votes isn't too much to ask~