Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2702

Lorenzo immediately spoke up. "I was just an outsider, and the only reason I came to Advanced Medical Institute was because I was ordered to and because I felt indebted to Mr. Livingston. I already did everything I could, yet it feels like fate was determined to punish me."

He looked up and let out a long, frustrated sigh as his fists tightened, as if he was cursing the heavens for being unfair.

Mikayla's eyes reddened instantly as she said, "Dad, please don't speak about yourself like that. None of this should fall on you. You've already done so much for the Advanced Medical Institute, and I think at this point, you should reveal your other identity."

Lorenzo shook his head. "Mikayla, there's no need for that."

Their father-daughter exchange left the disciples confused.

One elder asked, "Mr. Owens Senior, do you have another identity? What is it?"

Lorenzo let out a weary sigh. "Since you all ask, I won't hide it. I was actually Mr. Livingston's external disciple."

He then pulled out a small, engraved whistle.

The elder who saw it looked shocked. "This belonged to Mr. Livingston and was only ever given to close disciples outside the Institute. It seems what you said is true, Mr. Owens Senior."

Another elder frowned. "So this is why you put in so much effort to help the Advanced Medical Institute? I see now that you had an undisclosed connection to us."

Lorenzo nodded. "Yes, exactly as you said. That was why I did everything in my power, but in the end, I still failed and let Mr. Livingston down."

"Mr. Owens Senior must be joking. I'm not qualified for such an honor; truly, I couldn't possibly be. My skills in the martial path and my reputation are still far from adequate."

Lorenzo immediately suggested another name. "Then it must be Mr. Kelley. He's a man of great virtue and prestige, and he has always held significant respect within the Advanced Medical Institute. I am certain he can steady the people and control this chaos."

Darien Kelley was a man nearly 90 years old who needed to be carried whenever he went out. He already had one foot in the grave. Nominating him made everyone else exchange strange looks, their faces full of disagreement.

Lorenzo proceeded to nominate each of the other elders, one by one. Without exception, they all claimed they lacked the capability and dared not take on the responsibility.

Others simply remained humble, unwilling to be the one.