Reborn as the Last van Ambrose

Lin’s expression showed that she was listening intently to the conversation.

"They genuinely believe they’re fighting for their realm’s future," she whispered to Grim. "These aren’t mercenaries or opportunists. They’re ideological opponents who think Ao Qin’s policies have weakened the South Sea."

"Does that make them right?" Grim whispered back.

"It makes them dangerous," Lin replied. "True believers fight harder than those motivated by personal gain."

Captain Zhen gestured for them to keep moving, but the conversation continued to drift down from the rebel positions, providing insights into their organization and current state of mind.

"The dragon who promised us support—Jiaolong—he’s changed since his last visit," Karim was saying. "Did you see his eyes? They’re not the same color they used to be."

"Many things change during times of great upheaval," the commander replied, though his tone suggested he had noticed the same thing. "What matters is that he’s provided us with the tools we need to reshape our realm’s future."

"Tools that have cost us more allies than they’ve gained us," Karim countered. "The corruption he brought with him... it’s affecting more than just our enemies. Some of our own people are showing signs of change."

This revelation caused all three infiltrators to exchange glances. If the corruption was spreading to the rebels themselves, it suggested that Jiaolong’s influence was more extensive than they had realized.

"The commander’s starting to have doubts," Captain Zhen observed quietly as they put distance between themselves and the rebel base. "That could work to our advantage if we can find a way to exploit it."

"Or it could make them more desperate," Lin countered. "Desperate people make unpredictable decisions."