Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2218

Conrad said, "Back in the day, only five people in Chetvine were qualified to enter the organization. The rest either died or went into hiding, waiting on standby in their assigned positions. Only you and I could walk the path to leadership.

"We both wanted to control this organization that could alter the world's destiny, and we both wanted to grasp that overwhelming honor. But in the end, I lost, completely and utterly, left with nothing. And you were the winner.

"Do you know how much torment my heart has endured from then until now? Only when you're dead do I think I can find peace."

Andrew shook his head firmly. "No, what will free you isn't whether I live or die. It's you forgiving yourself. Conrad, remember when we entered the organization at the same time?

"Back then, we called each other brothers. You didn't know I was the Lloyd family's Dragon Prince, but I knew you were the young heir of the Cunningham family. You said you'd look out for me, treating me like your younger brother.

"You were five months older than me, so I didn't mind regarding you as a senior, without any pride or hesitation. But in the end, you destroyed that bond yourself. Those old fossils played a psychological game with us.

"They made you the big brother and had you command me. But secretly, they made sure I outperformed you in everything. I exceeded you in training and scored perfect marks on every single test, while you scored just one point short of perfect on everything."

Andrew continued, "Didn't you realize that was part of the brutal selection process? They manipulated our brotherhood and played with our hearts to achieve their training goals. So eventually, I left the organization because I felt that place wasn't right for me.

"But you chose to stay, and for that, you became obsessed and twisted your own heart, just to prove you were still everyone's big brother. But even if you really became the big brother and truly had the potential to lead the organization, so what?

"The Cunningham family has a grudge against me… But I never considered you an enemy. However, if you want to kill me, then I have no choice but to respond with violence. We came from the same training camp, and you should know this is instinct."

Conrad laughed coldly. "Your vicious nature hasn't changed one bit. Perfect! That's exactly what I wanted, for you to remain as the same ruthless wolf from back then. Isn't that the organization's purpose anyway? A pack of wolves thrown together to fight, kill, and tear each other apart until only one is left standing, the lone wolf who takes the throne.

"Three months from now, I'll challenge you. We'll sign a death pact. By then, my wounds will be healed, and when the time comes, I won't hold back."

Andrew's reply was calm, almost indifferent. "I'll be waiting."

He shoved Liam and another youth aside, sending them stumbling back. Without sparing them another glance, he left with Natasha.