Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 3011

In Abyss City's city hall, Andrew sat in the seat of honor, slowly polishing Godslayer. On either side, the members of Dragonfang remained silent, each tending to their own weapons.

Below Andrew stood Cyril, his face dark with anger. His entourage stood behind him, fear evident on their faces, shifting uncomfortably where they stood.

The Ludendorff family delegation had been waiting for half a day now. Yet, Abyss City's people had ignored them the entire time.

Cyril was no ordinary man. He was a martial god, not some small fry. However, this bastard was deliberately ignoring him, which only made Cyril's fury burn hotter.

"Andrew, what the hell is the meaning of this?" he finally snapped, unable to contain himself any longer as he stepped forward, his face livid.

Andrew raised Godslayer and pointed it at Cyril, examining the spotless gleam along its blade before smiling faintly.

"The Ludendorff family doesn't exactly seem like they're asking for favors here. Instead, you're coming at me with this aggressive attitude. Do you think I'm obligated to follow the Ludendorff family's orders? Or that I have to read your mood and act accordingly?"

Cyril froze, swallowing his anger since he did not dare voice it. He could only say, "I didn't come here to give orders or anything like that. I came to forge an alliance with you, to stand together against the Cathedral's army."

Andrew let out an amused sound and set down Godslayer. "So you're saying you came here to ask me for help. You should've said that from the start. Otherwise, I might've thought you brought these few people to try and seize my Abyss City."

Cyril screamed internally, 'Abyss City belonged to the Ludendorff family, you arrogant bastard!'

But outwardly, his face merely twitched as he replied, "Sir, I've brought valuable gifts to demonstrate the Ludendorff family's sincerity. We discussed this beforehand, didn't we? Abyss City and Throne City would support each other as strategic strongholds, standing together against the Cathedral's forces.

Andrew smirked. "But what's in it for me? The Cathedral's target is the Ludendorff family's headquarters, not this small city. You're asking me to help defend against the Cathedral's army alongside you. You sure have gotten everything planned out nicely… The Ludendorff family gets all the benefits. But what about me? I get nothing!"

Cyril quickly responded, "I've already brought valuable gifts…"

Andrew cut him off directly. "Cut that nonsense! I already know what your so-called 'valuable gifts' are. It's just gold, silver, and treasure; all useless stuff! Listen up, buddy. We're in wartime right now.

"What can gold and silver buy you? Can it buy survival or victory? No, it can't buy a damn thing. It's just a pile of useless scrap metal."

Cyril's face darkened. "Then what exactly do you want, Mr. Lloyd?"