Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 3096

Inside the valley lay the Highland Tribe's fertile farmland. However, beyond the valley was an entirely different scene.

A narrow path, just wide enough for one person, wound down from the towering canyon into unknown territory below. The passage was deep and dark, requiring torches to navigate safely. Ordinary Highland Tribe members were not allowed to visit the forbidden ground.

This time, the group consisted of Andrew and the four outsiders, along with Othniel and the Highland Tribe's patrol commander.

That commander happened to be Othniel's son, the giant man Andrew had slapped earlier.

Finally, there was Tobiah, Knox's elderly father, carried by two burly warriors. This small group traveled in secret toward the forbidden ground, and no one spoke.

The dark passage ran along the cliff wall of the massive canyon, winding endlessly forward.

Nyx said in surprise, "This was all carved out inch by inch… What a massive undertaking by the Highland Tribe."

Knox explained, "This secret passage took several hundred years to complete. Generation after generation of Highland Tribe members devoted themselves to it."

Hershel walked at the front and led the way. When they stopped to rest, he looked at Andrew, scratched his head, and said with an awkward grin, "Sir, I apologize for my rudeness earlier."

Andrew smiled and replied, "It's nothing."

Hershel was about the same age as Andrew and only a few years older than Knox. However, his features were resolute, and he was already a capable young warrior of the Highland Tribe.

More importantly, Hershel was extremely talented, and Andrew could tell at a glance that he would one day break through to martial god level and become a pillar of the tribe.

Andrew reached into his clothes and tossed a yellow pill to Hershel. Hershel did not know what it was. He instinctively caught it, his face filled with confusion.

Othniel, who was much more knowledgeable, reacted with excitement and exclaimed, "An elixir? That's a rare treasure! You fool, thank Mr. Lloyd right now!"

Andrew smiled. "No need for formalities. This elixir will help improve your physical strength. When I get back and gather the right materials, I'll make time to refine better ones for you. Hershel, you have great talent, and I can help you become a martial god, which means you'll be one of the Highland Tribe's elite warriors."

Hershel was overjoyed and immediately dropped to his knees, bowing his head repeatedly.

Andrew laughed helplessly and quickly helped him up. Highland warriors were simple folk with straightforward minds. If you were their enemy, they would face you without fear and fight to the end.

From what Tobiah and Othniel had said earlier, Andrew already knew what kind of person Arcturus had been. He was a simple, good-hearted man who had started life as a slave.

Passed down through the generations, the temperament of the Highland Tribe had hardly changed at all.

Tobiah's clouded eyes swept over Andrew, but in the end, he said nothing. The two warriors carried him in the middle of the group.

Andrew walked ahead and did not see Tobiah's gaze. But at this point, he no longer needed to look. Even the faintest attention, a shift in intent, or the slightest movement around him could be sensed.

Beside the statue was a tall, muscular man. He was frozen mid-leap, his fist smashing into the werewolf's face and tearing flesh. Though the statue had captured that single moment forever, the explosive power and impact seemed to burst forth from the stone.

The leaping man's other hand had pierced the werewolf progenitor's heart. Meanwhile, the werewolf's massive head was lowered, its two giant fangs buried deep in the man's neck.

Tobiah brought over a bowl of some liquid and splashed it before the statue.

Othniel led the other warriors, including Hershel, to kneel before the strong man in the statue. They chanted in the Highland Tribe's language, clearly performing some kind of worship.

Andrew and his group watched from the side without interfering.

Knox stepped forward and also knelt and bowed. Then, he stood and said to Andrew, "This is our Highland Tribe's forbidden ground. The larger figure in the statue is Fenrir, the first werewolf progenitor. The other man is our ancestor, Arcturus the Unbroken."

Andrew nodded and reached out to touch the statue.

Tobiah warned him, "Andrew, once you touch it, you'll be drawn into a vision of the ancient battle between Arcturus and Fenrir. Also, Fenrir's statue is formed from pure dark energy. Anyone who touches it will be corrupted and their mind tainted, so please be extremely careful."

Andrew only paused for a moment at these words before calmly placing his hand on the statue. His entire body shook, and everything before his eyes faded away.

Nyx and the others vanished. In their place, he found himself plunged into an ancient battle, with thunderous roars and the sounds of slaughter suddenly flooding his ears.