Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2893

Louie's weathered and exhausted face surfaced in Andrew's mind. He looked at Lucille again and smiled.

"Lucille, do not worry. Last night, your grandpa let me drink his liquor. So today, I will definitely pay for that drink. As for what you are worrying about, there is no need to worry. I am not the kind of man you think I am."

Lucille said softly, feeling disappointed, "But I am willing. Do you really not want me?"

Andrew opened his mouth, but did not know how to answer.

Lucille wanted to leave the town and live in a nearby big city. She wanted a life far away from hunger and war.

If this had been Holtrien, Andrew could have helped her. However, this was the Outlands, and Andrew was alone, so he truly could not protect her.

Perhaps Andrew could take her to a city like City of Hope. Nonetheless, the outcome often would be grim. The next day, Andrew might find her body in some gutter, abused and murdered.

That was the reality of survival in the Outlands, brutal yet realistic. Staying in this remote little town, a girl like Lucille would likely see her youth wither away far too soon. But at least her life would not be casually violated and slaughtered by others.

Ten minutes later, Andrew was fully dressed and had shouldered Godslayer.

Eight warriors from the town, along with Louie, all followed him into action.

"Sir, please be extremely careful," Louie warned, "These bandits are mercenaries exiled from a nearby big city. Not only do they have heavy firepower, but they also have dozens of fighters. In a head-on confrontation, our town isn't a match for them at all."

He continued, "You just need to help us intimidate them and drive them away. At least that will keep the town safe for a while."

The people here were truly too weak.

"Actually, it's not that I can't say." Under everyone's curious gaze, Andrew spoke. "I'm a fifth-stage martial emperor!"

Martial emperor? The other warriors were stunned, not knowing what realm that represented.

Timmy asked, "Mr. Shields, what Western noble rank does a martial emperor correspond to?"

Louie's knowledge far surpassed that of the others. The moment Andrew revealed his level, his expression changed completely.

Shock and disbelief filled his face, and his lips trembled as he looked at Andrew excitedly. "Sir, you're actually at the martial emperor level? That corresponds to a Marquis-level powerhouse in the Dark Clans. And at the fifth stage… Doesn't that mean you're just one step away from being a martial god? Comparable to a Duke-level powerhouse?"