Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3144

Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3144

Iridessa clenched her teeth and charged forward again, stepping in to intercept Alonzo and relieve the pressure on Vance. But compared to Alonzo, her strength was far inferior. If she had been fighting from the shadows—relying on speed, harassment, and sudden assassination strikes—her exceptional covert arts might have allowed her to gain the upper hand for a time and avoid a swift defeat. Now, however, Alonzo had seized the initiative and launched a ferocious counteroffensive against the Coven of Heavenly Radiance. Iridessa had no choice but to face him head-on.

With a single swing, Alonzo’s heavy greatsword slammed into her weapons. She cried out in pain as the spikes flew from her hands. A bloodthirsty glint flashed in Alonzo’s eyes. His greatsword did not slow in the slightest, cutting straight toward Iridessa’s head.

Terrified, Iridessa dropped her head and activated her covert arts. The greatsword sliced through a wisp of smoke as she barely escaped. But the instant she reappeared at another position, Alonzo’s blade was already there, waiting for her.

Iridessa forced herself to stay calm. She thrust out her small hands and bent her upper body backward to its limit, sliding past the edge of Alonzo’s blade. Though she avoided death by a hair’s breadth, the sword energy completely shattered her disguise.

In an instant, Iridessa’s true form was revealed—delicate and pale, her expression calm yet cold. Blood covered her hands.

Vance roared and shot into the air, charging straight at Alonzo. Only then did the tight knot in Iridessa’s chest finally loosen.

If the fight had continued, Alonzo’s next strike would likely have killed her.

But below, without Vance holding the front line, the situation collapsed almost immediately. Attacks erupted from every direction. Slaves resisted desperately from the front, while Ludendorff family warriors who had rushed in from both sides launched brutal encirclement attacks. The Coven of Heavenly Radiance’s only remaining escape route descended into chaos.

For the first time since the siege began, their warriors hesitated—caught between advancing and retreating.

That hesitation marked the beginning of disaster.

As formations broke apart and fear spread, the Ludendorff family seized the opportunity to unleash their pent-up hatred and fury. One after another, they launched all-out assaults, soaked in blood and heedless of their own lives. They wanted every single Coven of Heavenly Radiance warrior who had invaded the city to die.

Iridessa’s face went pale with shock.

In just a few breaths, she watched the Coven’s warriors fall in rows. More and more died, and clear signs of collapse began to appear. The sight made her mind shake violently. Biting her lip, she stepped forward to take Vance’s place and shouted, “Everyone, hold the line! You cannot retreat!”

But she had never truly commanded these warriors before. Her nature was reserved, and she had never revealed her true self to them. She had always been Vance’s shadow, hidden in the darkness.

Now, even as she gave orders, her voice sounded weak and powerless. It had no effect at all.

As panic swelled, Iridessa screamed, “Vance!”

Locked in a fierce battle with Alonzo, Vance had been completely focused. Iridessa’s desperate cry jolted him, and he glanced downward. In that instant, his expression changed sharply, and his heart plunged into the abyss.

“Everyone—do not retreat! Advance at all costs!” he roared. “Anyone who retreats will be dealt with under military law!”

Alonzo sneered and swept his greatsword horizontally. Distracted, Vance felt his armor split open with a deafening crack. He had been a breath away from being cut in half at the waist.

Rage exploded inside him. The last traces of calm shattered as chaos took hold of his mind. What had once seemed like a flawless plan had devolved into this nightmare.

There was no need to guess. The Ludendorff family’s forces from the south gate had clearly returned. With even Alonzo appearing here, it could only mean one thing—the Abyss City forces had abandoned the siege.

Now, all the pressure had fallen squarely on the Coven of Heavenly Radiance.

“Andrew… I’ll never forgive you!” Hatred surged through Vance’s heart. He had never imagined that after breaking into the city and seeing events unfold exactly as he had predicted, the final outcome would end like this.

In the end, he had still been outplayed by Andrew—that bastard.