Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 1992

While the battle at Serenity Villa was raging under the dark moonless sky, underground Blumedale at Ronald's headquarters was also filled with flashing blades and thunderous battle cries.

"Sir, it's over. Our entire operation is gone," a trusted aide, bloodied and teary-eyed, stumbled to Ronald's side.

Ronald's sinister face was blazing with fury. "Is the Driscoll family really going to wipe us out completely?"

His subordinate broke down completely. "We've already lost over 100 men. The attackers are Driscoll family affiliates, including elite martial artists pulled from various family branches and dozens of hired mercenaries from the martial arts world.

"With all these core forces combined, we don't stand a chance against them. Sir, we need to surrender and preserve what little strength we have left!"

Surrender?

Ronald's weathered face twitched violently, his teeth nearly cracking. His own turf was worth more than any gilded palace. Here, he was the mighty Dragon King of Blumedale, a man who could call the shots.

However, surrendering would strip him of that crown and turn him into nothing more than the Driscoll family's dog, a crawling insect.

Still, refusing might mean he would not even live to be a dog and would be crushed into mud. The Driscoll family's strength was not something one Dragon King could match.

"That damned Andrew… He's a jinx," Ronald muttered. He wanted to roar, to rage, to curse the heavens. Yet, all that came out was a long, heavy sigh.

At this point, words meant nothing because the Driscoll family's slaughter had already reached his doorstep, and blame would not change a thing. He swept a glance at his men and saw only fear in their eyes.

His fists clenched as he made his decision: he would yield.

At the front, the martial king family head, Mario Marsh, eyed Ronald with a smirk. "Ronald, this is it? Weren't you supposed to be tough as steel? It didn't take much to make you surrender, did it?"

Ronald's head was buzzing. The humiliation was overwhelming. Not long ago, he had been so proud and successful, or else why else would he call himself a Dragon King?

Yet now, these dogs trampled his dignity and treated him like nothing. Nonetheless, for the sake of survival, he could only endure.

"Gentlemen, I lay down my arms and swear allegiance. Tell the Driscoll family to stop slaughtering my men," he said, raising his hands in surrender.

Mario seemed reluctant, but with Ronald clearly yielding, he held back. "Fine. Since you know your place, the Driscoll family will spare your life. From now on, you're a slave of the Driscoll family. Serve us well, and you might keep breathing."