In truth, Harbert had made a perfectly rational decision. Setting aside Karnak’s true nature, he had walked a very singular path since his return.0

He had vanquished countless necromancers and saved innocent lives during his days as a shadow hunter. After joining the King's Order, he always prioritized his subordinates, never hesitating to spend his own money on good food and decent lodgings. Whenever danger arose, he was the first to throw himself into harm’s way. That alone painted the picture of a model hero.0

But to add fuel to the fire, he had even gone so far as to disregard his own safety to save the citizens in Harthol City.  No matter how righteous a person may be, most ended up accepting that some sacrifice was inevitable. 0

But Karnak never compromised. He struggled relentlessly to save everyone. Faced with such a man, wasn’t it a dereliction of duty as a cultist not to attempt a hostage gambit?0

He was the kind of naive fool who tried to save even strangers, let alone a comrade. He’d never be able to abandon one.0

Of course, it would have been foolish to actually hold a blade to Milia’s throat and shout, "Drop your weapons!"...0