Alexander looked at the remaining five figures in front of him, and at this moment, the five figures looked at each other, they all understood that with their strength, they were definitely not Alexander's opponents, and besides, Akame and Esdeath hadn't made a move yet, and if they continued to fight, they would definitely be wiped out.
However, not all of these five people want to continue fighting, for example, Run.
He is different from others, his idea itself is to carry out a top-down reform from within the empire through bloodless means, and it is obvious that Alexander at this moment can do this.
"May I ask you, what will happen to the people of your country after your revolution?"
Listening to Run's words, Alexander said directly,
"I don't dare to say that people will leave their doors unlocked at night or that lost items will always be returned, but I can at least guarantee that the country will be ruled by law, that everyone will be equal, that they won't suffer from hunger and cold, and that there will be no more misery."
What Alexander said was the truth. Considering the current state of the empire, it couldn't get any worse. Moreover, with so many heroic spirits who had been great leaders surrounding Alexander, he had immense confidence in creating a fair and just society.
Hearing Alexander's words, Run nodded. His original purpose in coming here was to find an opportunity for reform. Alexander's arrival provided exactly that.
Without hesitation, Run knelt down on one knee before Alexander, performing a traditional gesture of submission. At this moment, Run's intentions were clear.
"If you can bring people a better life, I am willing to give everything for it."
Run's words were sincere, and Alexander believed in his ability and character. A person who was willing to challenge the corrupt minister to avenge his student, even at the risk of his own life, was someone Alexander could trust completely.
"I disagree! I am a Marine! My predecessors taught me to be loyal and patriotic! Joining you, isn't this a betrayal?" Wave exclaimed, still unwilling to join Alexander's camp. Clearly, he was thinking of the senior he admired, the one who bravely fought against pirates to protect the people. That senior was his role model!
However...
"So, you chose to ignore the suffering of the people and abandon those poor souls?" Alexander challenged, throwing a heavy accusation at Wave. For Alexander, who was an outsider with no real stake in this world, such words were inconsequential. But for Wave, a man of integrity and compassion, they hit hard. As soon as Alexander spoke, Wave began to waver.
Alexander was confident that Wave would make the right choice. After all, in the original story, Wave chose to aid the Revolutionary Army at the last moment. Deep down, Wave was a pure and passionate young man.
Sure enough, after much internal struggle, Wave silently moved to a side seat, caught between his loyalty to the country and his duty to the people. Seeing this, the clever Run stepped in to persuade him.
Run patiently explained that loyalty to the country did not mean blind loyalty. He pointed out the current state of corruption and emphasized that to truly save the country, a significant reform was necessary. He praised Esdeath's swift control of the cities and the planned overthrow of the emperor as the least disruptive path for the populace, with only the corrupt criminals standing in the way.
Run's arguments were compelling. As a teacher, he knew how to communicate effectively, and soon, Wave's eyes lit up with understanding. Realizing the truth in Run's words, Wave looked at Alexander and made his choice. He decided to join Alexander's cause, rather than oppose it.
"I am willing to join your camp! I believe that if my teacher were here, he would choose this way! However, if I meet him, I will not raise a hand against him!"
Seeing the enthusiastic Wave in front of him, Alexander silently gave Run a thumbs up. If someone like Run handled the internal affairs of the empire, Alexander felt reassured.
"Sorry, I don't agree. I am a soldier of the empire, and I have my own mission," Bols declared, standing firm. His character was steadfastly loyal, even to a fault. Otherwise, he wouldn't have burned down villages just because his superiors ordered it. "However, I will not surrender without a fight. My wife and daughter are waiting for me at home. I must not die here!"
As soon as Bols finished speaking, he reached for the Purgatory's Invitation: Rubicante in his hand. But before he could grab it, a super electromagnetic gun shot the weapon out of his reach. Alexander didn't destroy the Rubicante, as it was still a valuable Teigu, despite being a large flamethrower.
Before Bols could react further, he was struck by a burst of magic power and thrown to the side. His life or death was now uncertain, a result of Alexander's decisive action. If Bols survived, it would be considered a divine mercy. If he died, it would be seen as atonement for his past deeds.
As for Dr. Stylish, Alexander had no particularly strong impression of him. On one hand, the mad scientist's inventions were often used for nefarious purposes. On the other hand, he seemed to do little besides inventing.
"Forget it, you can stay in the laboratory from now on. I'll get you some books later. Do scientific research honestly and produce something useful for this country," Alexander said.
The empire's technological level was akin to that of the pre-industrial West, but with a timeless scientist like Dr. Stylish, there was potential. If Dr. Stylish focused on honest scientific research, he might even help develop cars and airplanes in the future, contributing significantly to Alexander's vision for the country.
As for the last, it is the most troublesome existence.
"Kurome, what about you? What is your choice?"