Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2483

Philip fell silent for a moment before letting out a sigh. He said, "You're right. The number of royal seats is fixed. In Holtrien, our families have always maintained rankings and classes, a tradition that stretches back for centuries. But only a few ever make it to the royal level.

"Originally, things were as you said. If you were strong enough, your power alone determined your rank, your status, and your influence. But ever since Mr. Vazquez came into play, treating the entire world like his personal chessboard, everything changed."

He explained, "He personally redefined the number of royal families allowed to exist. Now, the major houses have reached their limits. Every peak is already occupied, every territory already claimed.

"So if the Cunningham family wants to rise any higher, their only path is to push someone else off the top and take their place. And unfortunately, the Lloyd family is the unlucky one they've chosen to target."

Luna's voice grew firm. "But don't you think the Cunninghams picked the wrong opponent? Even if they want to ascend, the Lloyds are the last family anyone should mess with. Andrew and his father alone are terrifying enough, and Sheena's generation is already proving just how dangerous the next wave is."

She added, "The Lloyd family's real strength isn't just in their bloodline, it's in their structure. Every branch of their house works together like a perfectly tuned machine. Their influence across the world is unmatched. So if the Cunninghams think they can challenge that, isn't it obvious they're biting off more than they can chew?"

Philip waved his hand dismissively. "You're still thinking on the surface. I just told you that Mr. Vazquez sees the entire world as his chessboard and everyone as his pieces. If that's the case, he can move the pieces however he wants. The Cunningham family might not be as powerful as the Lloyds, but in his eyes, that doesn't matter."

He smirked. "It's like in a chess game: a knight isn't as strong as a rook, but if the player prefers the knight, the rook becomes irrelevant. What happens next isn't about fairness. It's about the will of the one holding the board."

Luna's eyes widened. "So you're saying Mr. Vazquez is deliberately targeting the Lloyd family?"

Philip's expression turned sharp. "Wilder has made the first move. Andrew, this is a great opportunity that has been handed to you. You're already a sharp blade, but your edge is far from honed enough. If you can't become stronger, the only outcome is to be broken. So, you can only rely on yourself now."

Luna watched, her palms sweating. "No matter what, I won't let anything happen to him. If Andrew is harmed, then I'm sorry, Mr. Turman, but I won't let it rest. The days of me holding military power while obediently following orders are over. If others see us as pawns in their game, then I refuse to be one. Whoever interferes with Andrew's and my destiny, I will eliminate them."

Philip was taken aback for a moment. His usually docile student seemed to have transformed instantly into a fierce beast baring its fangs.

And the root cause was that young man on the screen.