Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2714

The next day, Koda came to Flying Peak, flaunting his new authority as director. Behind him, elite martial artists followed in his wake. Nearly all the elders from the Advanced Medical Institute had been ordered by him to come along.

What was interesting was that Koda's greatsword, which Lorenzo had previously shattered, had been replaced with a new one that Rusty was carrying.

Gone were the power struggles within the Advanced Medical Institute. Yet here Koda was, as the new director, bringing weapons with him, which was rather telling.

He laughed and said, "Where's Mr. Lloyd? Last night we had a feast that went all night. He was the biggest hero, yet he's not here. I need to give him a few more drinks today."

Koda smiled with apparent sincerity, as if his intentions were completely innocent.

Eric replied flatly, "He's inside. If there's anything, you can tell me."

Koda shook his head. "No can do. I need to speak with Mr. Lloyd and ask him if everything's going smoothly. He's taking so many of our alchemists… Surely he should at least give me a heads up."

By the end, his voice had turned cold.

Eric's expression turned mocking. "Sure. You can go find him and have a private chat, but only you alone."

Koda laughed. "Eric, you must be pulling my leg. This is Advanced Medical Institute territory, and I go where I want. I bring whoever I want. How can you tell me I have to go alone? Don't tell me I can't call the shots on my own turf?"

The air was already thick with tension.

Eric's face darkened, about to shoot back with a taunt. In his eyes, Koda was nothing but a complete waste of space and a murderous lunatic.

If Andrew and Jerome were not holding him back, he would not show Koda any respect.

In front of the building on Flying Peak, Andrew sat on the wooden steps, facing the sunlight as he polished Godslayer.

This divine blade did not actually need polishing at all; its blade gleamed as if it had just been forged. In the sunlight, it reflected elegant halos, a perfect blend of grace and killing intent.

No one needed to be told it was a masterpiece.

On the balcony behind him, Mikayla sat in a chair, watching Koda and his people approach. Her eyes flicked subtly toward Andrew's back, though no one knew what she was thinking.

Koda walked over with a polite greeting. "Mr. Lloyd, sorry to disturb you."

Then, he asked, "Those 28 alchemists of yours… They've already made it down the mountain safely, right?"