Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2698

Rusty dropped to the ground. Following Eric's instructions exactly, he began crawling like a turtle.

While crawling, he continued slapping his own face. Within moments, his entire face was beaten to a pulp, completely unrecognizable.

This scene left everyone else utterly dumbstruck. Then immediately, they felt their blood run cold with terror.

Someone gasped in horror, "Dark magic! It has to be! That guy is using dark magic!"

"It's not dark magic, you idiot. That's the legendary Phantom Mirage; it can control people's minds and steal their consciousness."

Another voice trembled with fear. "Terrifying. This is absolutely terrifying."

Their once-defiant eyes were now filled with horror.

Andrew caught their reactions and let a faint smirk flash across his lips. "So, does anyone still think my words don't matter?"

An old man spoke in a grave tone. "Mr. Lloyd, are you saying you plan on keeping us here by force?"

Andrew looked at him and countered with a question. "Force? You're giving yourself way too much credit. To keep a pack of strays like you in place, why would I ever need force? If I'm in a good mood, you'll have a good day. But if I'm not, I can wipe all of you out in minutes. So tell me, can I do it or not?"

The old man slammed his metal staff on the ground. "Don't push us too far!"

Just as he said that, Andrew shifted nearly 20 meters in an instant. He struck the old man with a single palm, and the man barely managed to lift his metal staff before it snapped clean in half. Meanwhile, he himself was sent flying, throwing up blood as he sailed through the air.

"What the…"

The entire crowd was stupefied. Everyone's Adam's apple bobbed, and for the first time, a fearful settled into their eyes. All their earlier bravado and mockery vanished into thin air.

Corbin wanted to celebrate his rise as the new Director, and everyone who supported him was all smiles.

Up in the Grand Medicinal Hall, Lorenzo and Mikayla stood side by side, one calm, the other ice-cold. They were both waiting, because the moment the good news arrived, everything would begin.

Behind the hall was the private administrative residence reserved for the Institute's director and a few key elders.

The place was luxurious, layered with ornate corridors and rooms. Normally, elders shared access, but Corbin had kicked everyone else out. From now on, this space belonged to him alone, and he had no intention of sharing authority or rewards.

Inside the room, Lennox helped Corbin put on a lavish ceremonial robe.

"Dad, you should put on this emerald piece too," Lennox said with a grin.