Ivan disobeyed the retreat order from Deceitful Fox, choosing instead to fight to the death for the dignity of Hound Base.
He knew that even retreating would mean living in lingering agony. Since Sky Net had already mobilized forces against the God Organization, it wouldn't be just a one-time action; surely there would be bigger moves next.
Currently, the God Organization was split into three factions, with Deceitful Fox, Fire Phoenix, and Butcher each vying for loyalty from the powerful.
The God Organization was showing signs of disintegration, and it no longer had the cohesion of unity.
Ivan was acutely aware of this. He understood that Deceitful Fox's intention for him to retreat was merely to preserve strength, increasing the power by his side. But he was neither willing nor content to abandon Hound Base and return to Deceitful Fox's side to continue living a lingering existence.
Indeed, returning to Deceitful Fox's side would be a lingering existence.
