Degrade from Nobility to a Humble Slave novel Chapter 102

"It's me, Zen Luo. I want to speak with Martin, if I might, please?" stated Zen as he neared the door.

As the light from the torches shone on Zen, the two soldiers could see it was him, and there was a look of shock on each man's face. With a grateful tone, one of the guards said, "Hey brother! I can't believe it. You're alive! Thank goodness!"

The two were soldiers of the Green Haze group, or more accurately, surviving members of the troop!

Usually, Martin's battle plans were impressive, and he took many precautions, so he never jeopardized the lives of soldiers in his platoon, and there was rarely a death under his command.

However, in the battle that day, dozens of soldiers perished, which was a terrible blow to the Green Haze group.

The survivors knew that if Zen hadn't drawn the queen blade locust away, none of them would have survived.

If Martin were the only one to have drawn the queen away, she would've caught up to the troops after killing Martin.

Thus, it was Zen's sacrifice that saved the rest of them.

So, the survivors would be eternally grateful for what Zen did!

Until just now, they all thought Zen died. So, they were astounded at his safe return!

The soldiers knew that Zen was an outer disciple from the Cloud Sect, and although he was only at the marrow refining level, Zen was stronger than other disciples at that same level. Even with his strength though, the gap between his power and that of the queen blade locust was immense. They didn't know how Zen escaped.

"Zen, the captain isn't at the camp," one of the soldiers informed Zen.

Wondering why, Zen asked, "Wait, you mean he hasn't come back?"

"Oh, no, he came back, but...?" the soldier broke off his reply, not sure whether or not he should disclose the truth.

Seeing the soldier's concerned look, Zen was confused and asked, "But what? What happened?"

"Zen, the captain was... locked up!" announced the soldier in a sad tone as he bowed his head.

Zen frowned and in a deeper timbre asked, "Locked up? But, why?"

"Yesterday, someone changed our regular marching route. It must've been someone who intended for us to travel a more dangerous trail," the soldier stopped relating what had occurred, inhaling before he suddenly furrowed his brows indignantly and with an inflection of resentment in his voice said, "Captain Martin went to the higher-ups and complained, angering his superior officer. So, he was arrested. I'm afraid they will punish him for insubordination accordingly, by martial law..."

'How did this happen?' speculated Zen. What the soldier had conveyed to him, irritated Zen.

Someone had intentionally changed their route, endangering all of the troops in the Green Haze platoon, and almost succeeded in getting them all killed! The disciples from the Cloud Sect, Roger, Sun, and Zen almost died, while a single slash from the queen blade locust brutally destroyed poor Tank!

Examining the events in his mind, Zen became infuriated!

Granted, Zen had only known Martin for a short time, but, he appreciated Martin's leadership skills. On top of that, Martin courageously sacrificed himself by luring the queen locust away, saving his troops and the disciples. It was shocking to hear soldiers on the same side as him arrested him.

"Do you know anyone with authority who can assist us and intercede to have our captain's charges dropped, Zen?"

"Captain Martin wasn't in the wrong, and shouldn't have been unfairly punished!"

All at once, both soldiers begged Zen. Albeit, the two were the most ordinary soldiers in the Imperial Army, but, they had followed Martin for a long time and had a deep relationship with him. In the torchlight, Zen could see their eyes glistening with tears.

"Don't worry! I'm going to request an account of the events!" reassured Zen callously. Admittedly, Zen was nobody special here or at the Cloud Sect, but, that wouldn't stop him from trying!

After leaving the Green Haze group's barracks, Zen jogged to the building he was assigned to and swung the door open. He entered and saw Roger and Sun packing their things.

Sun's jaw dropped open when he saw Zen walking into the room, and he stuttered, "Z-Zze-Zen..!? a-ar-are y-y-you a g-g-ghost?"

Roger, who was ordinarily so composed, stood, staring at Zen in bewilderment as well.

"Oh my God, Zen! Wow! This is unbelievable! You escaped the queen blade locust! Did a master come along and save you?" Allowing for Zen's strength, Roger thought Zen's surviving the queen locust attack was impossible without the aid of a much stronger refiner.

With so many powerful generals stationed at the Dragon Fort, it wasn't unreasonable for Zen to have been lucky enough to run into one out in the jungle.

Roger deemed his theory to be the most reasonable explanation.

Not bothering to respond to the questions, Zen just stared at them and inquired, "Are you already leaving?"

Smiling, Sun responded, "Yes, I'm quitting the mission."