Rebirth of the Prime Dragon Master
Chapter 562 Pass The Buck

"If the Commander in Chief can't make it in time, someone must command the garrisons of Evian City," Elite Commander Ron said steadily.

"Didn't the Commander in Chief make it clear that if Rocky could get back to Evian City, he should have the Crimson Dragon Token and the command to defend the city?” Commander Wang interjected as he pulled out the token from his pocket, eyeing it as though it were a holy treasure. Upon seeing the Crimson Dragon Token, all the commanders were shocked. A few days earlier, when Lance declared he would give the token to Rocky, they were in a dire situation and didn't have the time to react. It was only when they returned to Evian City safely did they start doubting Lance's decision.

The Crimson Dragon Toke was the commander's seal of the Crimson Dragon Group. Anyone who possessed it would have command over thirty thousand soldiers. Of course, it was also a status symbol, as it was so rare. Apart from the Commander in Chief, only Deputy Commander in Chief Isis possessed one. Thus, presenting Rocky with a Crimson Dragon Token meant he was entrusted with an important responsibility.

This was precisely why the commanders were puzzled.

"Wasn't Rocky just demoted from Elite Commander to logistics camp by the Commander in Chief? So why would the Commander in Chief hand over the Crimson Dragon Token and the right to command the city to him?" a commander pondered aloud.

The commanders exchanged glances with one another, each one unsure as to why Lance would make such a contradictory decision. Of course, they hadn't known that the Crimson Dragon Token was Rocky's all along. It just so happened that after the accident with Isis, Lance took it back as he wronged Rocky.

"Rocky hasn't shown up yet. What a coward! Hmm, just let him command the city garrison of Evian City. I really don't know what Commander in Chief was thinking.” All the Commanders including Flank, who had a deep resentment towards Rocky, were annoyed when they heard that Lance actually handed Crimson Dragon Token to Rocky and let him command the city garrison. Thus, everyone silently hoped Rocky wouldn't show up.

Among everyone in the room, only Marin knew Lance's reasons. However, because Rocky still hadn't shown up, she was a bit worried. With the thirty thousand men of the Timber Deity Empire fast approaching, the Evian City defenses were sure to fall if no one were to take command by then.

"I'm sure Rocky isn't coming. We should select a new commander to lead the city garrisons, from Commander Wang, Commander Ron, Commander Li, and Commander Lin,” a Frontline Commander suggested, gesturing at the four Elite Commanders.

"Commander Wang, I think you should be the leader," Flank immediately said. "Commander Wang is the most experienced commander among us, and the right-hand man of the Commander in Chief himself. That's why Lance gave the Crimson Dragon Token to him. He meant that if Rocky didn't come, Commander Wang would have responsibility over the defending forces," Flank explained with a satisfied look.

"No, I can't,” Commander Wang hurriedly declined. "Commander Ron is the sole person here who has the ability and experience to command and control an army.” Commander Wang had a pained expression, as though someone had tossed him a steaming hot potato.

"Me?" Commander Ron squeaked incredulously. "Come on. The last time the army of the Timber Deity Empire attacked the three passes, I was screwed over by a hidden traitor! I almost lost the Wild Heaven Pass. I think Commander Lin should hold the post, as he always does.” Commander Ron laughed nervously, seemingly having no intention whatsoever to shoulder this responsibility. "You've got to be kidding me. I'm nowhere near as good at leading an army as this guy!" Commander Lin gestured desperately to Commander Li.

"I'm the most inexperienced among the four Elite Commanders. If you three are not eligible for the position, then neither am I," Commander Li said calmly.

Clearly, none of the four Elite Commanders wanted to accept the responsibility of having to lead the troops of Evian City. After all, they would be vastly outnumbered against the thirty thousand men of the Timber Deity Empire. It would definitely be a challenge to hold the city. Each Elite Commander was aware of this: that if they were to lose the city, they would go down in history as an inglorious sinner. This would, of course, brutally end their career. After all, they had served in the army for twenty to thirty years prior to getting promoted to Elite Commander. Naturally, they didn't want to lose this position due to one loss. And obviously, they also felt that without Lance, Evian City was bound to fall. This was a guaranteed failure, so no one dared to take this responsibility.

With each Elite Commander declining the task, Marin's fury grew. It was time for them to stop buck- passing and take responsibility.

The Elite Commanders were such cowards! The Frontline Commanders also stayed silent.

"Now that we have established that none of you are willing to command the city garrison, I'll take charge," Marin said firmly, as she stood up to be heard

Hearing this, all the commanders were stunned. They never thought Marin would willingly take this hot potato. It was a bold decision indeed.

However, as Marin was a young and inexperienced commander, it would be embarrassing if the four Elite Commanders let her take control of the city. They glanced at each other ashamedly.

"I think we'd better wait a little longer. Rocky might be on his way as we speak,” Commander Wang said, evidently trying to save face.

The other three commanders nodded enthusiastically. They were all in silent agreement that it was inappropriate for Marin to take command. She was too young and inexperienced. It's fine if she were to fight in the small battles, but the one they faced now would affect the destiny and honor of the Crimson Dragon Group. How could they possibly let Marin take over the command! If Lance caught wind of this, they would be doomed.

"Marin, I appreciate your initiative. But I don't think you can do such a thing, with your limited experience and skills," Elite Commander Lin scoffed arrogantly.

Whispers filled the room. It was clear that the other commanders also felt that Marin wasn't suitable for this important task.

"You..." Hearing these words spoken from the mouths of these cowards made Marin seethe with anger. Her beautiful eyes glared fearsomely at each Elite Commander before she abruptly turned around and left the hall

The sun set in the distance, and darkness crept over the city. Two miles outside of Evian City, a line of torches dotted the land in a zigzag manner, like a snake of fire. Countless figures formed a black mass, rushing towards Evian City which was barely illuminated by the fire snake.

Once the guards spotted them from atop the city wall of the south gate of the city, they were filled with fear. They hurriedly lit the beacon to inform the base camp of the arrival of the Timber Deity Empire troops. The sentries from the base camp were alerted by the lit beacon from the south gate. They knew what this meant, and immediately headed to the meeting hall to deliver this information. The commanders, who had been waiting idly in the meeting hall, were shocked when they heard the news. They nervously glanced at each other, yet still no one wanted to step up.

Just then, a guard rushed in hastily. "Commanders, Commander Marin gathered five thousand troops and is now headed towards the south gate. It seems she is going to face the enemy head- on!"

Everyone in the room was stunned. No one could believe that Marin was reckless enough to lead her troops into a suicide mission.