Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3288

Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3288

Outside Holtrien’s Azure Gate, a massive army stretched across the plains like a dark, surging tide, forming ranks before the mountain pass.

Atop the gate, Philip—the military’s highest-ranking commander—pulled his gaze from the horizon and turned to the generals behind him.

“Hold the line,” he said evenly. “Until your last breath.”

No grand speech. No wasted words. But the resolve in his voice was ironclad.

“Yes, sir!” the generals answered in unison, their voices ringing with steely force.

Philip descended from the towering black walls to the lower level. There, he noticed disciples from Swordhaven Keep stationed at Azure Gate. He stopped one of them.

“Where is Mr. Topsfield Senior?”

The disciple lowered his voice. “General… Mr. Topsfield Senior is unwell and unable to participate in the battle.”

Philip let out a cold sneer. “Unwell? Claiming illness at a time like this doesn’t sit right, does it?”

The disciple didn’t dare respond. Philip waved him off.

It was obvious. Alfredo was dodging responsibility.

The Dark Clans’ forces, along with the allied armies of the three great empires, had already launched their assault. Azure Gate lay within Swordhaven Keep’s defensive territory. No one believed Alfredo’s excuse.

Still, Philip chose not to press the issue.

Alfredo was arrogant and fiercely proud. More importantly, he carried tremendous influence in Holtrien’s Eastern Regions. Push him too hard, and he might turn openly hostile. Not long ago, when Andrew entered Holtrien, the first man he dealt with was Alfredo.

And clearly, the grudge still lingered.

“If I can’t get Mr. Topsfield Senior to come,” Philip muttered coldly, “then I’ll have someone who can make him come ask him afterward.”

With that, he immediately ordered all warriors to man the walls. The first clash between offense and defense was imminent. That was what mattered now.

At that moment, Franz hurried over, barely containing his excitement.

Philip allowed himself a faint smile. “Franz, what’s the good news?”

“General, Andrew succeeded at Chetvine.”

Philip’s expression barely shifted. “Guillermo. Is he alive?”

Franz shook his head. “When Andrew makes his move, no one survives.”

A bitter smile crossed Philip’s face. “Guillermo and I worked together in Holtrien for many years. I never imagined it would end like this. That kid… Andrew… he’s ruthless.”

Franz answered steadily, “Without ruthless resolve and a heart of steel, no one survives at the top. General… do you wish things had turned out differently?”

Philip’s voice dropped. “It’s not that I don’t. Andrew is the military’s hope. Not just ours—the Divine Dragon Order above us has placed all its faith in him.

“But Guillermo… whatever else he was, he mattered. I can’t help wondering why he chose this path.”

Franz spoke with quiet conviction. “Someone like me doesn’t even register in Mr. Vazquez’s eyes. In martial arts, strategy, foresight—anything—you could say I’m not even worthy to carry his shoes.

“But I understand one truth: those who do too much wrong eventually destroy themselves.

“Andrew’s rise didn’t require stepping on someone like Guillermo. But Mr. Vazquez’s methods were shameful. Today’s outcome? I feel no regret. No sorrow. He brewed this ending with his own hands.”

Philip studied him, then smiled faintly. “You think highly of Andrew.”

Franz returned the smile. “It’s not just me. The people can see clearly. I followed him in the Outlands. I’ve fought beside him. Andrew is the kind of man you can trust with your life.”

“Well said,” Philip replied.

Franz added, almost as an afterthought, “There’s more, General. Andrew has reached Beyond Mortal Limits. He’s officially entered the ranks of Holtrien’s top powerhouses.”

Philip’s composure cracked for the first time. “That quickly?”

He exhaled slowly.

“That man… is unstoppable now.”