Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2310

Philip said, "Otto's scheme is far more deadly. He doesn't care whether the military wins or loses. In fact, he's hoping for our complete defeat! Ultimately, he wants to force out that one specific person.

"You all think this battle is about national glory, where we can only win and never lose! But some people couldn't care less about national honor and disgrace. The only thing they care about is their own interests!"

Luna's lips trembled as she asked, "Surely the Cunningham family wouldn't go that far, would they?"

Philip waved dismissively and replied, "Luna, just focus on yourself. Holtrien is like a chariot riding the skies, and when everyone pulls together, we can fight the heavens and go against the world itself.

"But if some people drag the wheels, some pull the horses the wrong way, and some just lie down without helping, then it is no longer a chariot but a collapsing castle in the sky."

Luna's eyes filled with sorrow as she asked, "Even so, I still want to know why."

Philip shook his head. "There is no why, only facts and outcomes. Go on, Kyrie can't hold out much longer, and soon it'll be your turn to fight. I estimate you have a fair chance of stopping Ezekiel, but nobody knows what kind of stakes Waylon has placed on him, so we still need a backup plan."

Luna nodded and marched toward the Martial Tower in her tall military boots. Her heart felt unbearably heavy.

She was not worried about Ezekiel actually conquering all 100 floors of the Martial Tower, because Philip was not one to sit back and do nothing. With this pillar of strength leading the military, she saw no reason for defeat.

Yet at the same time, she still could not see the light of victory.

Was the "only choice" Philip mentioned referring to Conrad, or was it someone else?

She shook her head, unable to figure it out.

Ezekiel's figure blurred as he chuckled. "So this is the Harding family's Thunderstorm Force? Seems pretty underwhelming to me."

Kyrie roared back, "Bastard! You keep belittling the Harding family, but this time you're dead!"

The energy around his fists transformed into pure lightning. However, the thunder did not extend to his arms, head, or body; it only covered his fists. Still, Kyrie was confident this was enough to defeat Ezekiel.

If he were lucky, he might even land the killing blow and end this Soryan prodigy right here. Originally, this hidden technique was meant to be reserved for Andrew. But now, Ezekiel would have to take the brunt of it.

With a thunderous shout, the two lightning-formed fists swelled in size, then came crashing down like a storm to engulf Ezekiel. That single strike drained Kyrie completely, leaving him drenched in sweat, panting, and collapsing to his knees, unable to stand.

Yet, his eyes remained locked onto Ezekiel, unblinking, as he waited for the final outcome.