When Andrew woke up, he noticed the sky was dim. It had to be night, though he had no idea what the exact time was. He could not move at all, and although his mind was clear, every part of his body refused to respond.
He knew this was the aftermath of injuries that were far too severe.
His greatsword, Godslayer, was nowhere to be found. A spike of panic hit him, and he forced his neck to turn, even though it sent pain ripping through him.
All he saw was a silent, empty stretch of wilderness he did not recognize. He was propped against a large boulder, and beside him a small campfire crackled quietly.
"You're awake. How do you feel?" a tense voice suddenly asked beside him, filled with concern and worry.
Andrew instinctively called out, "Aspen, is that you?"
The person fell silent for a moment before replying flatly, "I'm not Aspen."
Footsteps approached from behind him, and a tall, slender figure walked into view. She was carrying a few sticks of firewood.
Valerie!
Andrew was utterly astonished. "Valerie? Why are you here?"
Valerie sat down, adding a branch to the fire. "What? Are you disappointed it's me?"
Andrew tried to shake his head, but the movement sent a sharp pain through his neck. He grimaced. "See, as soon as we meet, you're snappy with me. I've just escaped death. Of course, I'm happy to see you."
Valerie pressed her lips together, hugging her knees as she sat by the fire. The flames cast a glow on her smooth face, making it appear flawlessly delicate.
She explained, "I took you over from a woman in black. By the time I arrived, she had already saved you. Don't look around. It's just me. Luna and your other… close friends, none of them are here."
Valerie then fixed her gaze on Andrew. She tried to maintain her cold facade, but she could not conceal the pain in her eyes.

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Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Rising from the Ashes (Andrew)
Buy nothing is there...
no update? :-(...
Why there is no update for last two days??...
Brilliant piece of work. I am enjoying the novel. The only problem is that it is taking longer to update more chapters....