Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

With a loud bang, Springflow took Andrew's punch head-on. The next second, she was struck as if by lightning, screaming in agony as she spat blood and tumbled headfirst into the grave pit.

"Springflow!" Highmist shouted in shock. He charged forward, going all in to block Andrew and unleash everything he had.

Andrew let out a cold laugh and shaped his hand into a claw, slicing straight through the man's attacking fist.

With a brutal rip, half of Highmist's arm went limp and dropped uselessly to his side. Then, he collapsed to his knees, staring up in disbelief.

"H-How are you this powerful?" Highmist stammered, his voice shaking with terror.

Andrew's eyes narrowed. He was just about to finish him off when the ground behind him suddenly exploded.

From the soil, a figure in dark green robes shot up, aiming a deadly palm strike straight at the back of Andrew's head.

Marcelo had launched his ambush, his aura overwhelming. He had hidden underground all along, waiting for the perfect moment to land a fatal blow.

"Andrew! I'll personally send you to hell!" he roared.

Andrew spun around instantly, unfazed and unimpressed. He did not even bother dodging.

Meanwhile, from the wasteland nearby, over a dozen shadows shot out like lightning. Without exception, they all flew straight toward Marcelo.

In a blink, Marcelo felt a crushing pressure come down on him, and he could barely breathe. He was forced to halt his strike on Andrew and twisted midair, narrowly avoiding a deadly opening in his stance.

He landed on the ground, and when he looked around, he was surrounded. His face shifted from confusion to dread, until it turned completely pale.

"Ronald... Aaron... Tiana... Duncan... the Wright family... the White family... the Keller family. So you all teamed up to carve up my legacy like a feast? Impressive. You people really went all in."

His jaw clenched so tightly it seemed his teeth might shatter.

Ronald was the first to laugh. "Marcelo, long time no see! Still dramatic as ever!"

Aaron sneered. "Yeah, a grand Dragon King like you will definitely have a very flashy death."

Marcelo suddenly roared and turned to Andrew. "So you knew everything from the beginning, didn't you, Andrew?"

Andrew met his eyes. "You tried to kill me. What makes you think I wouldn't turn around and kill you first?"

Marcelo raised a trembling finger, his voice shaking with grief and rage. "All my life, I was hailed a hero, and now, I'm falling at the hands of a scheming little rat like you. Andrew! If you've got a shred of courage, come out here and face me one-on-one! Otherwise, even if I die today, I'll never respect you!"

Andrew's voice rang out, loud and clear. "Fine, then I'll grant your wish. Everyone, stand down. Let me see whatthis so-called Dragon King is really made of!"

Tiana's face changed instantly. "No, Andy, don't fall for it!"

Duncan called out, "Mr. Lloyd, Mr. Byrne is a powerhouse. You don't need to prove anything to him!"

Ronald gave a half-smirk. "Andy, if you go showing off and get killed, don't expect us to avenge you!"

Marcelo stood tall, one hand behind his back, his voice booming. "I know I'm outnumbered today, and my fate's already sealed. But if you're really@man, Andrew, you'll face me head-on, just once. I promise won't kill you. I just want to test your skills before I die. That way, I can die without regrets.

"Of course, you can refuse... but then you'll just be a coward hiding behind your

army. Let's see if you can live with that kind of shame."noveldrama

Andrew shook his head. "Of course I can't live with that... So, Mr. Byrne-"

He stepped forward dramatically, then suddenly stopped and stepped right back again.

Marcelo's hopeful expression froze solid. "You..."

Andrew turned smoothly, waving his hand. "Everyone, go ahead. Beat the hell out

of him. Heh, I want to watch this mighty Dragon King turn into nothing."

Over a dozen powerful auras exploded outward, slamming toward Marcelo like a tidal wave.

Standing at the center of the storm, all Marcelo could do was roar in fury, "Andrew! You despicable brat!"

He never imagined that, even in his final moments, Andrew would pull one last stunt on him.