Stern stared at the empty station in disbelief, the last trace of color draining from his face.
The bare platform before him was like a cold mockery, making Stern understand everything in an instant—
Brolin had long since abandoned all his loyal subordinates and fled alone with Ilari and those valuable Golems.
Those left behind were nothing more than expendable pawns meant to buy time.
For the first time, the eyes that had always been filled with calculation and vigilance showed complete, undisguisable despair.
"The Leader is gone... the Leader... Brolin abandoned us and ran!"
Others had followed him all the way here, clearly thinking the same thing. But upon seeing the scene inside the station, they cried out in despair.
Though the Scourers had lost their leader, they had held out until now because some of the officers had not yet given up.
They had once followed Brolin and witnessed the densely packed Golems within the underground station with their own eyes. Therefore, no matter how dire the situation became, they had never given up.
It was also because they had constantly encouraged the lower-ranking members that the Scourers had not collapsed under the wizards' powerful assault.
But now, their faith was the first thing to collapse.
One after another, more people abandoned the fight and rushed into the station, searching back and forth through the empty space, hoping Brolin would suddenly appear like a god with reinforcements.
Others grabbed Stern by the collar and shook him as they shouted, "Stern! Where are they? Where are the Golems? Where did they all go? Stern!"
A heavy, swift fist smashed into Stern's cheek, sending his entire body flying.
The man flew like a sack of cloth and slammed heavily into the steps, his head bleeding badly from the impact.
He