Rebirth of the Prime Dragon Master novel Chapter 127

"If my calculations are correct, our unit is not powerful enough to engage this spirit-manipulated beast. I think we had better double back. Otherwise, it will be too bad if we have to suffer any lost," Rocky said as he glanced coldly at Zander, the captain of the sixth squad.

"You little rookie, don't ever try to exaggerate the fact to frighten us... It is perfectly normal to have one or two fatalities during the execution of this sort of task. The spirit manipulator of the third unit must have lost his vigilance which is why he was attacked by the spirit-manipulated beast. But look at us, we are overwhelmed in members. Who would dare to attack us?" Zander seemed to assert in a self-comforting way. However, he was more of reassuring himself rather than his team members. He pressed his quivering hand on his waist, as if to hold down the overwhelming uneasiness.

Suddenly, they heard another rustle from the bushes. Something must have swiftly passed through. It disturbed the grass when it did. All the spirit manipulators from the sixth unit was so scared that their knees trembled. They huddled together as if seeking comfort from the company. They all looked around in terror and became more alert of their surroundings.

"Suit yourself. I am leaving now." Rocky could not help but shake his head as he saw the team panic and hesitate to proceed. After taking a deep breath, he decided to double back by following the marks he made when he came.

"Captain, we..." The spirit manipulators saw that Rocky had left after he finished talking to them. They also wished Zander could make the same decision to go back with Rocky, despite the tension between the two. After all, no one wanted to risk their life.

As much as Zander did not want to believe Rocky's judgment, he knew it was too risky. He saw the tragic death of the spirit manipulator of the third unit and it was a fate he did not want to have. Even if he was bold enough, he was not powerful enough to go against this kind of lupine spirit-manipulated beast. Not to mention, he was the timid one. The last thing he would do was to risk his life.

"I think we shall double back as soon as possible. After all, there is a lupine spirit-manipulated beast in the road. We need to join with other units and consult with them for a better strategy in order to avoid heavy death tolls in each unit..." Zander wanted to finish his speech to save face. He wanted to show them that it was only out of the consideration of their safety that he chose to retreat, but not because he was scared. But, when he went on his speech, a weird shadow showed up again. It loomed over them, scaring the wits out of the spirit manipulators. As such, he had to end his speech abruptly and followed Rocky's direction.

Other spirit manipulators followed suit with their own spirit-manipulated beasts as soon as they heard the team leader's order to retreat.

Soon, they arrived at a crossroad. Different paths intersected in front of them which would lead to different destinations. They weren't sure which path would lead to the right way back. It would be impossible to try all roads and come back unscathed.

"We shall go this way. This is the correct way back." Zander stopped and hesitated. Truthfully, he had no idea at all which direction was the right way. No matter how hard he tried to observe their environment, it showed no signs as to which was the right path to take. In order to save face, he finally pointed to one of the directions randomly and commanded his team, "If you two want to risk your life, then go and follow him. If you don't, come with me," Rocky turned around and talked to Thor and Joss. He threw Zander a suspicious glance. He knew that the direction Zander pointed was not the right way back. He informed them of this essential information. After all, they'd be risking their lives if they followed Zander to the wrong path.

Thor and Joss exchanged doubtful glances. They stood there, confused as to whom they should follow. On one hand, Rocky was sure of the correct way back. On the other, it would be risky to follow Zander to an unknown and incorrect path. They weren't sure how to go about the situation. Rocky was their friend but Zander was their leader. Indeed, the conflict was too complicated that in an instant, they became hesitant.

"You conceited little young man. You went too far! I can't put up with this anymore. Who do you think you are? Why do we have to follow your instructions? I am the boss! I said that direction is the correct way. I have authority in this matter. If you dare to follow him, you'd be in big trouble when we get back to the camp!" Zander reprimanded while giving them a vicious look. His authoritative voice, his frightening look, and the strict command he had given was enough to make the other spirit manipulators nervous. Zander didn't give them much of a choice.

In an instant, other spirit manipulators were forced to come back to Zander's side. Even Thor and Joss did not dare to resist Zander and his commands. They trusted Rocky but they did not want to face Zander's wrath. They knew that there would be severe punishment if they defied the orders of the team leader.

"Rocky, we will listen to and follow the order of the team leader," Joss said obediently. He felt sad about it, but they were firm with their decision.

Rocky furrowed his eyebrows and frowned. He felt irritated but after taking a deep breath, he immediately cooled down. He knew there was nothing he could do to alter their minds at that point. It didn't matter if no one was going to follow him. He was sure that he was taking the right path. He then walked towards the opposite direction determinedly. Since he had already warned them and they chose to follow Zander, he would not be obliged to stop them again.