Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2898

The sun slowly sank toward the horizon. Andrew lay prone behind a low, unremarkable ridge and remained still. He was waiting for full darkness to fall, because only then would it be easier to move.

From his position, he could barely see the town gate and most of the settlement beyond it.

It was deathly silent, with not a single sound to be heard. Thin smoke still lingered over one corner of the town, as if the fires there had only just burned out.

Andrew's heart was as still as his gaze, calm and without the slightest ripple. Without stepping inside to confirm it himself, he already knew what had happened to this town where fellow Holtriens had lived.

If he had felt pain when he first sensed it, then now even that pain was gone. All that remained was absolute calm, and beneath that calm was a killing intent ready to erupt at any time.

Blood debts had to be repaid with blood.

Andrew drank the remaining half-bottle of liquor Louie had given him. Although he had already done something for the town, he intended to do one last thing for them.

Finally, the sky became completely dark.

Night in the wasteland was real darkness, and this night, there was no moon and no stars.

Andrew moved just like a leopard on a hunt, closing in on the town at high speed. He did not use the main entrance but instead vaulted into the town from the side.

The overwhelming smell of blood and burning assaulted his senses, enough to make anyone vomit. Yet, his expression did not change in the slightest. He slowly shouldered his greatsword on his back and walked toward the town square.

The first thing Andrew saw was that small, charred human-shaped piece of coal. Just from that short stature, his mind immediately conjured the image of the boy called Timmy.

The boy had dreamed of becoming a warrior someday, protecting the town and his family.

Beside Timmy lay Louie, his head shattered. The elderly town mayor and guardian looked strangely peaceful. Within that calm was deep bitterness and helplessness, but there was no fear at all.

It was as if, at the moment of death, Louie no longer feared anything. All he had wanted was for the killers to spare the innocent townsfolk. As for himself, dying did not matter.

Unfortunately, the attackers clearly had no intention of honoring that wish. A mere nobody like him could not influence them anyway.

Thus, Louie died, and soon after, the rest of the town died with him.

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