Rebirth of the Prime Dragon Master
Chapter 699 A Slouch In The Army

On the other side, just as Rocky had expected, since the Holy Sea Empire had lost twenty thousandsoldiers, the massive loss left their morale so badly battered. For the time being, they could noteven dare to attack the three cities anymore. Their remaining fifteen thousand troops stayed back inMont City.

Still stationed in Heaven Unicorn City, Rocky had also received the news from Allen. He learned thatAlston had failed to break the defensive line of the Timber Deity Empire. Furthermore, the TimberDeity Empire had gained reinforcements and counterattacked Crimson Dragon Army with the helpof the Roaring Flame Empire. With their backs against the wall, the Crimson Dragon Army had nowwithdrawn to their main camp.

"Alston has always been such a slouch!" Rocky snorted in disappointment. As he spoke, a chillingcoldness suddenly clouded his eyes. With great efforts, he had established an advantage forCrimson Dragon Army. But now, all that cushion was gone—easily given away by Alston, as if itdidn't mean anything to him. But Rocky had foreseen the disaster. For all he knew, neither hadAlston showed any particular skill nor a real personal drive to succeed. He may have had hisstrengths, but that burning desire as you'd expect of a great army general, Alston never had."Besides reprisals by Timber Deity and Roaring Flame Empires, there is another big problem. TheMont City has fallen to the Holy Sea Empire. We have to take back the city as soon as possible.Otherwise, we may have a hard time if we sit back and watch. Once the Holy Sea Empire brings inreinforcements, it will not be easy for us.” Isis worried.

"You could be right in what you are suggesting, but as things stand, our forces can't take on theHoly Sea Empire army at all. Already, we have lost thousands of our soldiers while fighting inHeaven Unicorn City," Commander Qin said.

"The terrain of Mont City is easy to defend and launch attacks. As such, it will be difficult to retakethe city without enough military forces,” Louis added.

"That's right. Our forces, including those recruited in Yu City, and the garrison, are no more than fivethousand. We should not even imagine taking them on, without further reinforcements and a prettygood strategy,” agreed Rocky, nodding solemnly. With the current situation, he knew it would takenothing less of a miracle to launch a successful attack. Without major changes in tactics and massiverevamping of their forces, such a bold step was almost unthinkable.

"Our best bet at the moment is, if we can force Flank to surrender the five thousand soldiers ofGrande City. That way, at least, we'd have some momentum going for us. In any case, Flank isdeserving of such severe action against him. For heaven's sake, he disobeyed our orders and evenarrested the person we sent. Why should we be lenient with him? We have to replace a way to makehim pay. And while at it, we'll also be much on course in resolving our bigger problems,” Isisoffered.

"It seems I might have to go there by myself," Rocky said after thinking.

"Commander in Chief, take it easy! I have prepared some food and wine. Let's sit down and talk thisover after you've had a meal,” Flank suggested.

Right off the bat, Rocky could tell there was something fishy in Flank's reaction, and that there was atrap. But still, he followed the creep to a mansion inside Grande City.

As soon as they stepped into the mansion, several maids bowed down to receive them. Courteously,some of the maids led the way to a wing, where tables had been set with a buffet.

"Please have a seat, Commander in Chief!" With a wave of his hand, Flank dismissed the maids to goon back to other duties

After Rocky took his seat, Flank, personally poured him a glass of wine. "I'd like to propose a toast toyou. There have been many misunderstandings between us before. Please forgive me!" he said."Commander Flank, don't beat around the bush. Be frank with me!" Of course, Rocky didn't buy thatline.

"Commander in Chief, why are you being so hard on me? I just obey orders. And honestly, I alsowant to hand over this forces, but I'm scared stiff at that possibility.” It seemed Flank was caughtbetween the devil and the deep blue sea.

"Then whose order did you follow?" Studying him with a fixed gaze, Rocky demanded properexplanation. Of course, he knew it must have been Alston pulling strings in Flank's insubordination.But he wanted to double-check.

"I can't tell you," Flank mumbled, no doubt in distress. In an instant, his complexion changed.

"It must be Alston," Rocky sneered

"Since you have known about it, why do you bother to ask me? You should know that I can'tdisobey his orders.” Flank took it for granted.

"You should know that as a commander, you deserve capital punishment for fleeing with yoursoldiers on the spot. It's shameful that you made our armies look as though we enlisted flower girls,instead of people who would die defending their flag," Rocky said expressionlessly.

"His Royal Highness promised me he would not hold me accountable for what happened when Iignored your orders. Otherwise, I would not have dared, I swear!" Flank said. But there was a phonytinge to his words. It was as if he was not worried. Not the least bit.

"Are you sure of what you're talking about? Do you know why Alston let you flee?" Rocky quizzedfurther, squinting in suppressed anger.

"Eh..." Flank really had no idea of it. Sheepishly, he just followed contradictory orders. And he wasswayed by Alston's empty promises so he had hidden his five thousand soldiers in Grande City.

"He wanted to take revenge on me, so he intentionally forced you to withdraw the army, which ledto the loss of Mont City. So I should take responsibility for the loss. However, if he wants to cover upfor the treasonable offence, I'm pretty sure your life would be on the line. If you leaked the secretsomeday, it would be dangerous for him! I am sure he will kill you afterwards. Are you still backhim?" Rocky sneered.

At those words, sudden panic gripped Flank's heart like a hurricane. In his stomach, it was as if theglass of wine he had taken was heating up. A discomfort that felt like a cluster of spark plugs hadgone off, making things boil and roil in his tummy. On his face, the tension grew, thoughts whirlingin his head, as though a maniac had hijacked his faculties. But pulling himself together with greateffort, he steadied his breathing. "No way," he blurted, animatedly shaking his head. "I'm very loyalto His Royal Highness. I would bet my bottom dollar that he won't kill me!"