Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2606

Alfredo stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression darkening. "You know exactly why I've let you keep your miserable life until now. The Sword Pool in the back mountains was left in disarray. The Godslayer, buried deep within, was stolen. You're the thieving rat who took it, aren't you?"

Andrew tilted his head. "A thief? Do you really think someone could just steal a divine blade like Godslayer? If I were a thief, then why didn't you keep such a priceless weapon with you at all times?"

Alfredo's jaw muscles twitched, a clear sign of his fury and his desire to tear Andrew apart.

Andrew, however, was past caring and pressed his advantage. "You want the Godslayer. You're dreaming of it, aren't you? With that sword empowering Swordhaven Keep, you wouldn't be just the leader of Swordhaven Keep anymore. You'd make a bid to become the overlord of the entire northern and southern martial world.

"You'd even challenge the Military Department, aiming to become a giant like Mr. Vazquez. That's your ambition. Don't bother denying it. It's written all over your face."

Alfredo snorted coldly. "So what if you've figured it out? Hand over the sword, and I'll grant you and Sheena the mercy of intact corpses."

Andrew laughed scornfully. "I can hand over the sword. But intact corpses? Do you really think that's all I'm asking for?"

A cold light flickered in Alfredo's eyes. "You don't actually think you're walking away from this alive?"

Andrew met his gaze directly. "Why wouldn't I? I plan on living, and Sheena is coming with me. You didn't even care about your own three sons. I underestimated how heartless a tyrant you could be. But you can't refuse the Godslayer. So let us go; me, Sheena, and my two friends. The sword is yours. Otherwise, you will never lay hands on the Godslayer."

Alfredo stood still, silent for a moment. Then, slowly, his lips curled into a smile before breaking into laughter, as if he had heard the most absurd things in the world.

Alfredo stood motionless, watching Andrew's figure fade into the distance. Slowly, a cruel smirk spread across his face.

He muttered, "How naive. Do you really think you can escape my grasp that easily?"

Then, he declared, "Anyone who wants the heads of Chetvine's Lloyd brats, go ahead. Once they leave my land, I don't care how you kill them or where you find them."

At that command, the two martial emperors from the Eastern Regions launched into pursuit, their energy tearing through the night.

Dozens of others exchanged knowing looks, then quietly withdrew from Swordhaven Keep.