Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

"Name," Andrew said flatly.

Reuben dared not show any attitude and quickly answered, "Reuben Davis. I'm from Gabo Creek. Started training at seven, own five properties in Blumedale, have 400 million in liquid assets, and one illegitimate son—"

Andrew waved his hand, cutting him off. "I asked for your name, not your entire autobiography."

Reuben bowed his head, nodding repeatedly. "Got it, got it! My bad, sir!"

Andrew asked, "Do you want me to let you go?"

Reuben looked at him eagerly. "Of course I do! Who wouldn't? But I get it—there's no such thing as a free lunch. I ended up in your hands, so obviously, there's a price I've got to pay."

Andrew gave a knowing smile. "Now that's the mindset of a real veteran. You're sharp, Reuben. Oh, and stop calling me 'sir'.' I'm not that old."

Reuben laughed awkwardly. "Among martial artists, we don't judge by age. We go by power. If you've surpassed me, then calling you sir is only right."

Andrew did not argue with him. Instead, he said, "I'll let you walk free-but under one condition. You'll need to train my people for a while. Especially these two. Get them to the peak of the senior grandmaster stage, and you're free to go."

Reuben looked troubled as he pointed at Natasha and Dylan. "Sir, you don't mean those two, right?"

Andrew nodded. "That's exactly who I mean."

Reuben muttered, "The widow's not a problem. But that big guy next to her... he's gonna be a lot more work."

Andrew said coolly, "If it were easy, I wouldn't be bothering you with it."

Reuben hesitated, then asked carefully, "And if I don't agree... what would you do with me?"

Andrew answered slowly, "The Golding family and I... let's just say we're not on good terms anymore. That fat bastard, Elon, was tricked into eating shit by me, of course. So, letting you go scot-free? That's not happening. If you say no, I'll have to kill you."

Reuben's body went rigid. He immediately responded, "Alright! I'll do it! I'll train your people, no problem!"

If Andrew was bold enough to mess with the Golding family and make Elon eat human waste, then Reuben

could only imagine what kind of maniac he was really dealing with.

Anyone gutsy enough to provoke a family like that definitely would bit hesitate to kill a semi-martial king like him.

Andrew nodded in approval. "Good. Then, from this moment forward, you're

temporarily free. You'll stay here at West End and focus on training them."

Reuben let out a quiet sigh of resignation. "So, can I at least move around freely?"

Andrew said, "Sure. But don't leave

Leven

West End. If even think you're trying to escape, you already know what happens next. And you'd better not contact the Golding family either. If I find out, I'll end you without о warning."

His tone was not cold or threatening-but to Reuben, it might as well have been a bolt of lightning.

This man was no joke. That much was clear.noveldrama

Reuben silently reminded himself to do what Andrew said no matter what anyone else told him.

Andrew turned to Natasha. "Alright, take him and get him settled in. From now on, you two train under

him. He's a seasoned vet. He teach

you more than you think."

Natasha lit up with excitement and, along with Dylan, quickly stepped forward.

"Reuben, this way please," she said respectfully.

Reuben's status and strength were far above both Dylan and Natasha.

A semi-martial king was about as high as it got in Jayrodale. Getting him as a

personal trainer? That was worth more than gold.

With the matter settled, the dungeon quieted down.

Andrew took a few slow steps, heading toward the next holding cell.