After explaining everything to the best that he could, the leader looked quite confident. There was even an air of superiority about him. 

He was after all providing salvation to the people in front of him. He wouldn't be surprised even if they started begging and groveling at his feet.

Hmph. What will you do now? He threw a sideways glance at Lu Chen and sneered inwardly. He could tell that the guy was only being so arrogant because of the twenty or so people behind him.

But now that he had given all of them another means of survival why would anyone still continue to stand behind a foolish arrogant young prick?

It was just a matter of seconds before everyone deserted him and joined their camp. This was what had happened with the group before and the group before that. 

And he could even see just how tired and beaten up the bunch of people in front of him were. There were a few unconscious bodies as well. 

They looked battered and tired, more than ready to give up and surrender. So how could these people be any different?

Heh. Just because you awakened an ability… doesn't mean you are all that special. I don't have any ability, but still, watch me make you bow down!

The leader locked his hands behind his back and loftily stood, waiting for the first person to start begging and crying in relief.

"So who is willing to come forward first? I will make sure to report your sense of justice to the higher ups and I can even guarantee additional benefits for you. Hmm?"

Lu Chen could obviously see what he was doing, but he didn't do anything to stop or interfere. In fact, he considered this to be a very nice opportunity that fell into their laps.

Numbers had strength but that only happened if everyone present had the same conviction and determination. He didn't want any black sheep in the group.

He also didn't have anything against them so it would be best if they parted ways right here. So he calmly crossed his arms and waited for those who wanted to change teams.

Guan Ye and Luo Zu, as well, simply watched on as if they were watching a show completely unrelated to them.

Only Alex and Xu Meilin from the main team had conflicted expressions on their faces. Xu Meilin was looked here and there in alarm like a bunny while Alex angrily glared at a certain someone.

She stared daggers at Fang Yuan who was standing at the back of the troop. 

All this while, he had been telling her about great their so-called survivors camp was but the reality was unfolding right in front of everyone and it told an entirely different story.

Is this the amazing place you were talking about?! She silently glared and the other party quickly looked away as he was also not particularly fond of this aspect.

Very similar to Fang Yuan, the other people sitting around also looked away here and there. 

The leader was trying his best to make eye contact with someone and intimidate them by individually targeting them but no one was looking towards him, not even in his direction.

A few more seconds passed in silence and the leader's confidence started to wane. Why is no one responding as I thought?

"What happened? Why are you all quiet? Don't you all want a comfortable life and good food and safe shelter?"

"You don't have to be scared to speak up. I am here and our troops are here. You should have seen us fight and tame the centipedes." 

"There are only fifteen of us here and yet we subdued every single one of those beasts. This should tell you about our strengths and capabilities. No need to be afraid here."

"If you don't speak up now. You will only regret it later! I can guarantee you this!"

The person almost loudly shouted but the people in front of him might as well be deaf and dumb. They were yet to show any sort of reaction.

'What the hell? How can this be? When there are twenty and more people at least shouldn't one or two be disgruntled with the way things are done and try to get to the other side?" 

'How could there be such unity?'

The leader's face started turning ugly and the other troop members also had awkward looks on their faces. 

Now for some reason, it looked as if they were begging rather than trying to offer a helping hand. If things continued this way, they were definitely going to lose face big time.

Some more time passed and nothing really changed. Everyone continued to be silent, while the troops from the military waited in vain.

Lu Chen saw this and wore a gentle smile on his face. He didn't think that there was a need to test these people further. 

Here he was laying down on condition after another, each one equally harsh and the other party had offered a cushy comfortable life and yet no one left their group. 

He was very satisfied with this result.

Breaking the long pause of silence, he finally interrupted and spoke. "I think everyone has already answered your question right? Sir, if you can excuse us, then that would be great."

"We are all very tired and we need to rest. I am sure your military camp is also expecting you guys back? Why don't we part here? Hmm?"

"And regarding the matter of mana cores, if we kill any beast in the future, we will make sure to leave out the mana cores so you can visit the corpse at your leisure and collect them."

"Heh. Does that work?"

The leader's face turned completely black because he was now being openly mocked. He loudly harrumphed and walked away, no longer wanting to stay back.

'Some people only learn their lessons the hard way!' 

He had no doubts that this group of people was sooner or later going to come begging at their doorstep. Then he would show everyone how they had all missed their opportunity today and made a grave mistake.

"You are all going to regret this!"