CHAPTER 699 A SLOUCH IN THE ARMY

On the other side, just as Rocky had expected, since the Holy Sea Empire had lost twenty thousand

soldiers, the massive loss left their morale so badly battered. For the time being, they could not even holds © this.

dare to attack the three cities anymore. Their remaining fifteen thousand troops stayed back in Mont

City.

Still stationed in Heaven Unicorn City, Rocky had also received the news from Allen. He learned that

Alston had failed to break the defensive line of the Timber Deity Empire. Furthermore, the Timber Deity

Empire had gained reinforcements and counterattacked Crimson Dragon Army with the help of the

Roaring Flame Empire. With their backs against the wall, the Crimson Dragon Army had now

withdrawn to their main camp.

"Alston has always been such a slouch!" Rocky snorted in disappointment. As he spoke, a chilling

coldness suddenly clouded his eyes. With great efforts, he had established an advantage for Crimson

Dragon Army. But now, all that cushion was gone—easily given away by Alston, as if it didn't mean

anything to him. But Rocky had foreseen the disaster. For all he knew, neither had Alston showed any

particular skill nor a real personal drive to succeed. He may have had his strengths, 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. The

Mont 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 in

reinforcements, 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 the Holy

Sea Empire army at all. Already, we have lost thousands of our soldiers while fighting in Heaven

Unicorn City," Commander Qin said.

"The terrain of Mont City is easy to defend and launch attacks. As such, it will be difficult to retake the

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 five

thousand. We should not even imagine taking them on, without further reinforcements and a pretty

good strategy," agreed Rocky, nodding solemnly. With the current situation, he knew it would take

nothing less of a miracle to launch a successful attack. Without major changes in tactics and massive

revamping 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 of Grande

City. That way, at least, we'd have some momentum going for us. In any case, Flank is deserving of

such severe action against him. For heaven's sake, he disobeyed our orders and even arrested the

person we sent. Why should we be lenient with him? We have to find a way to make him pay. And

while at it, we'll also be much on course in resolving our bigger problems," Isis offered.

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

"If you really have to, then count on me for company. I'll no doubt go with you, seeing how dangerous

it's for you to venture there alone," Isis volunteered.

"Are you forgetting that I have a bodyguard?" Rocky said, obviously hinting at something.

It was then that Isis remembered Sabina had followed Rocky all the time. After a moment's hesitation,

she agreed.

Straight away, they started brief preparations, after which Rocky and Sabina left for Grande City.

That very moment, Alston was informed of Rocky's mission to the city.

"As Rocky goes to Grande City to get soldiers, this is the perfect time to kill him and lay the blame at

someone else's door." Alston very quickly devised a scheme.

Without hesitation, he dispatched several of his most reliable mercenaries to Grande City.

By the time Rocky and Sabina arrived at their first designated post on the outskirts of the city, it was

almost dusk.

"Get in," Sabina signaled to Rocky.

To her nudging, Rocky nodded and immediately flew into Grande City with Uriah. However, no sooner

had he landed than a group of guards surrounded him.

"I'm Rocky, of Crimson Dragon Army. I want to meet Commander Flank," he introduced himself.

"Are you the Commander in Chief? Are you kidding me? How could the Commander in Chief be such a

young man?" None of these guards had seen Rocky before, so they didn't recognize him.

Before Rocky could answer, someone, roared in the background, "Arrest him!" Responding to the

command, several of them promptly rushed forward, ready to do as instructed.

When he realized they were not bluffing, Rocky was incensed. He didn't waste his energy talking to

them. Instead, putting on a serious face, he immediately took out Frozen Wind Dagger, and turned it

into Flaming Blade, ready to rush to the commanding man.

But thankfully, another forceful command rang out, scolding the soldiers, "How dare you be so rude to

the Commander in Chief!"

At once, the group of guards parted, looking embarrassed at their rush actions. As they fell back, Flank

stepped in front with an apologetic face.

"I'm very sorry for what has just happened. I was not expecting you'd come here alone." Flank bowed

and said enigmatically.

But Rocky had no time for niceties. He went straight to the business that had brought him here. "You

should know the intentions of my coming. So, let's cut to the chase. You were instigated to flee with

your troops from the Mont City. But your mischief has now come to an end. Straightaway, hand over

the five thousand soldiers under your command. That's the only way I will forgive you," he said coldly.

"Commander in Chief, take it easy! I have prepared some food and wine. Let's sit down and talk this

over 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 a

trap. 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 go

on back to other duties.

After Rocky took his seat, Flank, personally poured him a glass of wine. "I'd like to propose a toast to

you. 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 that

line.

"Commander in Chief, why are you being so hard on me? I just obey orders. And honestly, I also want

to hand over this forces, but I'm scared stiff at that possibility." It seemed Flank was caught between the

devil and the deep blue sea.

"Then whose order did you follow?" Studying him with a fixed gaze, Rocky demanded proper

explanation. 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't disobey

his orders." Flank took it for granted.

"You should know that as a commander, you deserve capital punishment for fleeing with your soldiers

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 I

ignored your orders. Otherwise, I would not have dared, I swear!" Flank said. But there was a phony

tinge 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 quizzed

further, squinting in suppressed anger.

"Eh..." Flank really had no idea of it. Sheepishly, he just followed contradictory orders. And he was

swayed 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 led to

the loss of Mont City. So I should take responsibility for the loss. However, if he wants to cover up for

the treasonable offence, I'm pretty sure your life would be on the line. If you leaked the secret someday,

it would be dangerous for him! I am sure he will kill you afterwards. Are you still back him?" Rocky

sneered.

At those words, sudden panic gripped Flank's heart like a hurricane. In his stomach, it was as if the

glass of wine he had taken was heating up. A discomfort that felt like a cluster of spark plugs had gone

off, making things boil and roil in his tummy. On his face, the tension grew, thoughts whirling in his

head, as though a maniac had hijacked his faculties. But pulling himself together with great effort, he

steadied his breathing. "No way," he blurted, animatedly shaking his head. "I'm very loyal to His Royal

Highness. I would bet my bottom dollar that he won't kill me!"