Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 3141

Petra's battle armor was badly warped, and several sections had folded inward and shattered. His expression was grim as he strode toward Andrew and said, "We were just one step away from breaking through the southern gate defenses. Retreating now feels like a waste, and everyone who died up there will have died for nothing."

Andrew held his greatsword, the tip planted in the ground, and replied calmly, "You did well, but I'm fully aware of the situation. Petra, you need to understand that our ultimate goal is to take over Throne City completely. That means the Ludendorff family needs to be wiped out as much as possible, or at least worn down completely.

"Sure, you could storm Throne City with heavy casualties. But let me ask you this: if we push the Ludendorff family into a corner and they fight us to the death, what happens then? In the end, they're destroyed, but we're left with hardly any troops and countless casualties. So tell me, how are we supposed to hold Throne City afterward?"

Petra froze. Then, he said quietly, "I understand. From now on, we will follow your plan!"

Andrew nodded. "Go reorganize your men. In the next assault, your troops will be in the rear while our Highland Tribe friends lead the charge."

Nyx stepped forward, gritting her teeth. "Arya hasn't seen the last of me! Honey, how are you feeling?"

Seeing she was on the verge of tears, Andrew smiled. "Don't worry. I'm still breathing. Nyx, we're just one step away from living freely in the Wastelands, without a care in the world. No faction will be able to threaten us again!"

Juno rushed over, speaking rapidly. "You were right on the money! Ramon, that breakaway warlord from the Ludendorff family, really was planning to hit us from behind!

"But the Highland Tribe warriors did not move a single soldier. They stayed on full alert the entire time. Back at Abyss City, Chief Wieser and his men never let their guard down either, and didn't give him an opening. So after Ramon scouted us out with his men, he withdrew."

"The Cathedral was smart enough, wasn't it? The Dark Clans were even more cunning, right? But in the end, there were no winners, only losers. If I weren't forced into this corner, I would never have wanted to do things this way."

Nyx spoke up. "Honey, you seem kind of down."

Andrew forced a smile. "Not really down, I just think fighting to the death like this is pointless. But when you're in the game, you have no choice but to play."

With a sigh, he added, "All right, everyone, rest here and wait for orders. In the next round of attack, we will take over Throne City. And while we're at it, we'll wipe out the Ludendorff family along with Vance's Coven of Heavenly Radiance!"