From a historical perspective, Cocolia's performance compared poorly with that of previous Supreme Guardians. In fact, it could even be called disastrous.
She had failed to protect either the Upper District or the Underworld.
Bronya could see no hope of victory for the Silvermane Guards, nor any hope that the Underworld's lockdown would be lifted.
And so, she could not give this old man, who had waited thirteen years in the Underworld, a definite answer!
At Bronya's words, the old man opened his mouth, but nothing came out. His back bent even lower.
Just then, people along the street gradually gathered around.
A middle-aged miner scoffed:
"The Silvermane Guards are nothing but the Architects' household servants. They only care about protecting those nobles in the Upper District. What do they care whether us lowborn folk in the Underworld live or die?"
Someone beside him immediately chimed in:
"Exactly! They sealed the routes between the districts to protect those great Architect overlords!"
"If we'd known it would turn out like this, they might as well never have built the city!"
"The Silvermane Guards aren't what they used to be!"
"Yeah, they get to live easy, comfortable lives up there. Who'd want to come down to the Underworld and suffer?"
Everyone spoke over one another, every word grating on the ears.
"That's absolutely not true!" Bronya shook her head firmly. "We Silvermane Guards protect everyone, both above and below ground. We've lost so many people over the years! Fighting Fragmentum monsters isn't nearly as easy or comfortable as you think!"
As her words fell, several people exchanged glances.
The middle-aged miner who had spoken first said coldly:
"You think you're the only ones who've lost people? You think nobody's died in the Underworld?"
His eyes reddened.
"You think you're the only