Rebirth of the Prime Dragon Master novel Chapter 229

The instant that everyone saw the start signal, both armies sprang into action. Both the White and Black Armies began their maneuvers, implementing all varieties of military strategies and tactics, along with countertactics. The armies began dispatching their respective troops either to launch individual attacks or in teams for stronger assaults. It wasn't long before the entire terrain was filled with the sound of screams and combat.

From the grandstand, Isis watched the contest with the other officials. Her beautiful eyes didn't miss a single action as she observed the ongoings. As she swept her gaze over half of the training grounds, she was surprised to realize that it seemed as though one unit from the Black Army was missing in action and not participating in the fight.

"How odd..." she murmured to herself. "It seems to me that the Black Army is short one unit of men." It was easy to see combat in the wide open spaces of the training ground. The plains and valleys were plainly visible to the spectators at the grandstand. However, in the terrain such as forests and hills, it was difficult to see what was going on.

So when Isis at last realized that one troop from the Black Army was missing, she summoned up her personal bodyguard. "Go and locate the missing troop that hasn't participated in the skirmishes," she commanded. "Find out what that troop is doing right now."

At her orders, the female bodyguard immediately departed on her errand. It wasn't long before she returned, however, with an account of what she had seen.

"Deputy Commander in Chief," the female bodyguard reported. "The missing troop of soldiers of the Black Army that aren't among those in the skirmish have situated themselves in the woods at the southwest end of the training ground. The troop has not appeared to have moved at all. They are all resting in situ, almost as though they're slacking off."

There was a palpable wave of astonishment throughout the whole grandstand at her report. They were seasoned veterans who had watched the Army Flag Contest for years, but it was the first time they had ever heard of troops voluntarily ignoring the contest and hiding away elsewhere. After seeing their brothers-in-arms engaged in a battle of life or death against their enemies, how could any soldier stand by? It was a disgraceful and immoral sight.

"Is the Commander of this troop the breeder who had suddenly come here? He must've feared defeat and decided to hide like a coward with his troops elsewhere. I'm certain of it." The official who spoke, seated among the spectators, spat out his disgust. Just like the others, he was suspicious of Rocky's true motives, which was showed in his disdainful tone.

His words drew a chorus of agreement from others. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that the leader of this troop had to be Rocky. After all, he was only a breeder who only took on the title of Commander in Chief because of Marin's absence. It was a vaunted position reserved only for those with outstanding fighting abilities and exemplary leadership. But as Rocky had presented himself as insignificant and now, as it appeared, incompetent as well, no one had a doubt that he did not have enough ability or courage to truly lead a troop to victory.

"Well?! Answer! Is that Rocky's troop?!" Isis demanded, glowering at her bodyguard, her tone dark as thunder. Her dignified face was now icy in its demeanor.