Those who had not been selected by the Astra Militarum soldiers wore deep fear on their faces, yet a flicker of relief shone in their eyes as they looked toward the lifeless bodies.
Yet what they had never expected was that, when they learned the Imperium's army had returned to launch a counterattack, they had resolutely chosen to remain where they were and continue serving the great Imperium. But who could have imagined they would meet such a miserable end?
At this moment, waves of regret rose in their hearts. If they had followed the Star Army and evacuated back then, perhaps they would not have fallen into such desperate straits.
After the First Company Captain and the other Astra Militarum soldiers had completed their task, he held a large loudspeaker and shouted at the survivors, who were still secretly rejoicing at having lived:
"Though you have luckily preserved your lives, the crimes you committed have not been forgiven! Now, you must take up arms and bravely attack the heretics' defensive lines!
Only when this war finally comes to an end, if any of you remain alive, will your crimes be completely pardoned.
But if anyone dares to shrink back or fear to advance, they will be shot on the spot!"
As he spoke, the First Company Captain pointed toward the Defense Force positions in the distance and issued the order in a booming voice.
"Whoosh."
The survivors all looked fearfully at the First Company Captain standing on the raised platform. They had not expected that, after carrying out the one-in-eleven execution lottery, these soldiers would make them attack the Star Army's positions. How was that any different from killing them outright?
Everyone present had long witnessed the Star Army's formidable strength. They were simply not opponents these people, armed