Chapter 156: Inflatration Begins
The reinforcements arrived faster than Grim had expected, Four more dragons descended from the sky, their dark reddish armor marking them as part of the rebel forces. But it was the fifth dragon that made Captain Zhen tense—an older warrior whose body was covered in scars.
"Commander Taiwei," the original guard said. "These three claim to be defectors with information about loyalist movements."
Commander Taiwei’s eyes were sharp as broken glass as he studied the three supposed refugees. His gaze lingered on Captain Zhen for a moment longer than the others, and Grim felt his heart skip a beat. Recognition was dangerous.
"Defectors," Commander Taiwei repeated. "In my experience, dragons who abandon their posts usually do so for personal gain rather than conviction."
"Not all of us had the luxury of choosing our initial loyalties," Lin replied smoothly. "Some of us served where we were assigned and only later came to understand the truth."
"And what truth is that?" Commander Taiwei asked, circling them slowly like a predator evaluating prey.
"That Ao Qin’s weakness has made our realm vulnerable," Lin said, the words clearly causing her internal pain even as she spoke them. "That his diplomatic approach has left us defenseless against the very forces that are now tearing apart the sea realms."
Commander Taiwei’s expression showed grudging approval at her answer, but his attention had shifted to Grim. "And this one? Humans don’t typically serve in South Sea military units."
The question hung in the air like a blade waiting to fall. Grim could feel the eyes of all the rebels focused on him, their suspicion palpable. This was the moment their deception could unravel entirely.
"He’s a... consultant," Lin said carefully, but Grim could hear the hesitation in her voice. "The loyalists have been working with human allies from the surface world. We thought his knowledge might be valuable to your cause."
"A human consultant," Commander Taiwei repeated, his tone making it clear what he thought of that explanation. "How convenient. And I suppose this human consultant just happened to be traveling with you when you decided to defect?"