Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2630

Andrew said calmly, "I only have one question. Between the two factions of the Advanced Medical Institute, is there anyone who doesn't bow to the Robertson family?"

Merlin nodded. "There is. The late director's top disciple, Koda Dawson, the Demon Hand. He's a top-tier martial saint, just one step away from becoming a martial emperor. His strength might not be extraordinary, but his ambition and cunning are something else entirely.

"We have solid proof that he was the one who killed the director, but instead of being punished, he now commands nearly two-thirds of the Institute's disciples and guest elders."

He added, "And opposing him is the Advanced Medical Institute's Grand Elder, Corbin Easton! Lorenzo is Corbin's backer and supporter. Right now, with Lorenzo's support, Corbin is gradually turning defeat into victory and suppressing Koda."

Andrew stood up and smiled. "Then that settles it. I'll get going. I'm not asking for much, just taking away a dozen or so alchemists from the Advanced Medical Institute will be enough."

Donovan chuckled. "Hold on. I'd like to hear your plan, if that's alright?"

Andrew smiled back. "It's simple. Lorenzo supports Corbin, so I'll have to approach Koda. If I want to take people's alchemists, I'll need to stir things up until the whole Institute turns into complete chaos. When the water gets muddy enough, that's when I can fish freely."

Andrew chuckled. "Come on, that's a bit insulting. When I say I'll support Koda, that doesn't mean I'll do it all the way through. The beauty of schemes lies in the fickleness of human hearts. I'll help him rise first to earn his trust, then I'll study his inner circle and pick someone from his side, someone ambitious and dissatisfied, to push into position later."

He grinned. "Koda's rule will never be legitimate. So, turning one of his trusted allies against him won't be difficult. Eventually, once Koda takes control, the story will end with him getting stabbed in the back by a close friend or a loyal general. And that man will be under my control. By then, not only will I be able to take a dozen alchemists with me, but if I wanted to, I could even take over the entire Advanced Medical Institute."

Merlin fell silent, staring at Andrew for a long moment. Then, with a reluctant sigh, he finally said, "Kid, you can go ahead. With that brain of yours, if World War III ever broke out, you'd probably end up as our commanding general."