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."

They continued through the canyon system, following a route that Captain Zhen assured them would take them closer to the main rebel stronghold without requiring them to pass through any major checkpoints. The path was treacherous, requiring them to navigate narrow ledges and unstable slopes, but it offered concealment from aerial patrols and foot soliders.

As they climbed higher into the volcanic peaks, the signs of rebel activity became more sophisticated. Communication arrays had been established using massive crystals. These crystals arays allowed any rebel in the area to use smaller crystals to communicate.

"They have plans beyond just opposing Ao Qin. They intend to replace the current system entirely." Captain Zhen said.

The path ahead led through a narrow pass between two volcanic peaks, the walls rising high enough to block most lines of sight but also creating a natural chokepoint that would be difficult to defend if they were discovered. Captain Zhen studied the terrain carefully before committing to the route.

"Once we enter that pass, we’re committed," he warned. "If there are rebels on the other side, we’ll have no choice but to fight our way through or retreat back the way we came."

"How likely is it that they’re watching the pass?" Lin asked.

"Given their level of organization? Very likely," Captain Zhen replied. "But it’s still our best option for reaching the main stronghold without being detected."

Halfway through the pass, Captain Zhen suddenly held up a hand, signaling for them to freeze. Voices ahead indicated that their fears had been justified—rebels were indeed monitoring this route.

"...supposed to be a routine patrol, but the commander’s acting like he expects an invasion," one voice was complaining.

"After what happened to the North Sea, can you blame him?" another replied. "If there really are forces moving between the realms, we need to be ready for anything."

"Say we’re jumping at shadows," the first voice continued. "Who would be crazy enough to try infiltrating our territory? The loyalists don’t have the numbers, and the other realms have their own problems."

The conversation revealed that the rebels were aware of the broader crisis affecting multiple realms, but they didn’t seem to understand their own role in it or the true nature of the forces they had allied themselves with.

Captain Zhen signaled for them to wait while he scouted ahead, disappearing into the shadows. Minutes passed before he returned, his expression grim.

"Four guards at the exit of the pass," he reported quietly. "They’re positioned to have clear fields of view in all directions, and they’re alert. We won’t be able to slip past them unnoticed."

"Can we go around?" Grim asked.

"Not without adding days to our journey," Captain Zhen replied. "And the alternative routes would take us directly through the main rebel camps."

Lin studied the pass ahead, her mind working through the possibilities. "What if we don’t try to avoid them?" she suggested. "What if we approach them directly?"

"That’s suicide," Captain Zhen said immediately.

"Not if we have a good story," Lin replied, her expression showing the beginnings of a plan. "These rebels believe they’re fighting for justice. They think they’re the legitimate authority in this region. What if we were... defectors? Dragons seeking to join their cause?"

Captain Zhen stared at her. "You want to infiltrate them by pretending to be recruits?"

"It’s not that simple," Lin continued, working through the details as she spoke. "They’d be suspicious of any dragons claiming to be defectors. But if we could convince them that we have valuable information about loyalist movements..."

"That’s an extremely dangerous gamble," Captain Zhen warned. "If they see through the deception, we’ll be outnumbered and trapped."

"All our options are dangerous," Grim pointed out. "At least this one gets us closer to our objective instead of further away."

Before they could fully develop the plan, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the pass. One of the rebel guards was conducting a patrol sweep, moving directly toward their hiding position.

"Decision time," Captain Zhen whispered urgently.

Lin looked at Grim, her expression showing both determination and uncertainty. "Trust me?"

"Always," Grim replied without hesitation.

"Then follow my lead," Lin said, stepping out into the open just as the rebel guard rounded the corner.

The guard immediately tensed upon seeing them, his claws extending as he prepared for combat.

"Halt!" he commanded. "Identify yourselves!"

"Thank the depths we found you," Lin said, her voice carrying notes of relief and exhaustion. "We’ve been trying to reach your forces for days."

The guard’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. "What are you talking about? Who are you?"

"Refugees from the loyalist forces," Lin replied smoothly. "We have information about Ao Qin’s plans that your commanders need to hear."

The guard’s expression shifted from suspicion to interest, but he kept his defensive posture. "What kind of information?"

"The kind that could save lives," Lin said urgently. "Please, we need to speak with someone in authority. The loyalists are planning something that could endanger everyone in here."

It was a masterful performance, combining just enough truth with some deception to create a compelling narrative. The guard’s training warred with his curiosity, and Grim could see the internal debate playing out across his face.

"Stay where you are," the guard finally decided. "I’ll call for backup and escort you to the commanders. But if this is some kind of trick..."

"It’s not," Lin assured him. "We just want to help prevent more bloodshed." free𝑤ebnovel.com

As the guard called for reinforcements, Grim couldn’t help but admire Lin’s quick thinking and acting ability.