Read Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Novel by Only For You Updated 2025 -26 - Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) Chapter 3402

Andrew was about to order Luna back when Nyx stepped forward.

“Let Luna join us. I’ll stay by her side at all times.”

Philip nodded. “Andrew, Luna will remain under my command. Rest assured—she’ll lead the Iron Cavalry.”

Only then did Andrew feel a measure of relief.

Orson let out a loud laugh. “The Nieves family is sending only me. That’s all we can spare, and frankly, that’s all we have to offer!”

For the first time, Andrew looked at Orson with genuine respect. Orson’s gaze was sharp.

“Andrew, I admit it—you beat me fair and square. Whatever happened between you and the Nieves family is settled. We’re even. What you’ve done for Holtrien… I could never match it. So yes, I respect you.”

Andrew smiled. “Grand Elder Orson, you are a man of true character. The past is behind us.”

Orson muttered, “Good. I feared you’d hold a grudge and, once you became Holtrien’s number one, come back for the Nieves family. At that point, we wouldn’t stand a chance against your reckoning.”

Philip stepped forward. “The lineup is complete. Holtrien is sending 1,500 people on this expedition. No matter the outcome, these 1,500 names will be carved into Holtrien’s monument, their spirit enduring forever. I now invite Mr. Anderson of the Divine Dragon Order to say a few words.”

Elio scanned the crowd before his gaze landed on Andrew. “I have nothing to add. Andrew will be the next Grand Commander of the Divine Dragon Order, and I will serve under him. If there’s anything to be said, let him speak.”

He clapped first, and the applause quickly swelled into a deafening roar. Countless eyes burned with admiration and respect toward Andrew.

In that moment, even Philip and Elio did not command the same authority as Andrew. The three royal families, the four noble houses, the Eight Ancient Sects, the Nieves family of Sylvan Peaks, and martial artists from across Holtrien—all looked at him with unwavering respect. Some, like Alfredo of Swordhaven Keep, may not have fully accepted it, but that no longer mattered. Andrew had ascended to the Beyond Mortal realm, and challenging him would be like stepping on an ant.

With the Divine Dragon Order publicly declaring him the next Grand Commander, and a peak figure like Elio openly calling himself a subordinate, no one dared oppose him. The tide of fate had already chosen its course.

Andrew stepped onto the high platform, scanning the distant horizon. His voice rang steady and deep.

“This expedition will decide Holtrien’s fate for the next hundred—even thousand—years. Only by eliminating the Vampire Queen and ending the Dark Clans’ bloodlines can Holtrien’s thousand-year war with the Western Continent finally end.

“For that, I am willing to lead from the front, daring to face the world first, just like my ancestor, Valerius. I hope everyone stays safe. I hope we all return alive!”

His words were brief, but they carried immense weight. The burning passion in everyone’s eyes transformed into unyielding determination. Andrew raised his voice once more.

“I’ll fight alongside you until the very last moment!”

A thunderous roar erupted in response.

“Until the last moment!”
“The last moment!”
“Fight to the death!”

Jakob, the martial god from the Divine Dragon Order, stood among the crowd, giving a bitter smile. “When there’s a gap, you have to admit it.”

Below Azure Gate, the massive doors swung open. The 1,500 warriors surged forward, a living tide representing the pinnacle of Holtrien’s current generation. Azure Gate itself was left in the hands of Jeffery, Donovan, and the others, who would lead Holtrien’s grand army and hold back the Dark Clans’ forces until news of victory finally returned.