Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 3168

Valerie said, "That's right, we both saw you. When the entrance to the Veiled Paradise opened, Mr. Lloyd Senior ordered us to leave ahead of time. We all knew there would be a battle, and staying would've meant certain death. So before the entrance opened, we evacuated. And while evacuating, we saw you and Ms. Kerrigan rushing over!"

Andrew nodded in understanding. "You made the right call to withdraw. The situation back then was indeed very dangerous."

Conrad finished every last drop of milk in his glass before speaking. "A full-scale war swept through the entire Outlands, and many of Holtrien's military bases were affected. We held our position, first waiting for orders from back home and, second, for Mr. Lloyd Senior to emerge from the sanctuary. But things developed far more severely than we imagined."

He continued, "In the Wastelands, besides the Ludendorff family as the dominant power, there was an invasion by the Cathedral's forces, followed by the rampage of the Dark Trinity. More recently, the four Western nations have been growing restless.

"Mirelan's special forces have repeatedly searched for our hiding spots. After reporting to military command, I received orders to evacuate. So I gathered Valerie and Luna to prepare to return home. But on the way, we were still pursued by forces from other nations. We fled all the way until we reached your Throne City."

Andrew nodded. "The four Western nations and even Eastonia are indeed keeping a greedy eye on our country. Meeting them in a lawless place like the Outlands meant clashes were inevitable. I'm glad you're all safe. Here in Throne City, no one would dare to cause trouble."

Seeing the stern expression on Andrew's face, Kyrie asked hesitantly, "Mr. Lloyd, is it true that you now have no rivals left in the entire Wastelands?"

Andrew smiled but did not directly answer. Instead, he said, "Let's just say I'm getting by."

Kyrie wanted to ask more, but he was too intimidated by Andrew's power to press further. His attitude toward Andrew had become one of extreme caution, as if walking on thin ice.

This was especially true after Andrew rose to dominance in the Wastelands.

Kyrie could not even fathom how Andrew had managed it. But even if he could not imagine it, he was acutely aware of Andrew's current status.

In the Wastelands, however, the Harding name meant nothing.

It was utterly useless.

In Andrew's eyes now, the Harding family held no significance at all.

This was the real reason Kyrie was so respectful when he met Andrew. In fact, when Conrad suggested seeking temporary shelter in Throne City, he objected with every excuse, refusing to come. However, he had no say in the matter. Luna and Valerie did not care whether he agreed or not.

In the end, Kyrie came. When he saw this massive city that belonged entirely to Andrew, he was almost scared out of his wits. He felt like a country bumpkin who had stumbled into a grand palace, trembling with every step he took.