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."
