Rebuke

The air reeked of blood and gunpowder.

Xia Lun's proposal caught Bird completely off guard, but he quickly willed the surprise from his face.

He glanced discreetly at the Intelligence Chief. Seeing that he was equally shocked, Bird immediately broke into a warm smile.

"It would be an honor to fight alongside a warrior as powerful as you. But this charge will be extremely dangerous, so I'd like to provide you with another armored warhorse."

As he spoke, Bird stole a glance at the Intelligence Chief from the corner of his eye.

The Intelligence Chief's gaze flickered. For all his apparent experience, the middle-aged man had no idea that Xia Lun and Bird were hardly close, and that Bird's show of camaraderie was a bluff.

"This charge will indeed be extremely dangerous," the Intelligence Chief said after a long pause. "I have a suggestion. We could order some of the refugees to serve as cannon fodder and draw the undead's attention. That would make the charge less risky for us."

He spoke loudly enough to be heard. The refugees, whom Bird had subdued with his Pilgrimage ability, grew restless again. Worry showed on many faces, and even hatred on some.

Even the militiamen who had received basic military training looked both frightened and agitated.

Bird gave the haughty Intelligence Chief a long look. His contempt deepened.

He tightened his grip on the Cenwood Cane, raised his chin, and said with open disdain, "Being someone the weak can rely on is a virtue of the strong. Are you weak?"

The Intelligence Chief's eyes flickered. He was about to answer when Bird spoke again.

"This isn't up for debate. Your men and my guards will form the core force. The militia will support us as reserves."

"But didn't you say there were