Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Across the frozen man-made lake stood Joe's massive mansion.

At that moment, a man and a woman stood side by side on the rooftop. The icy wind whipped around them, but the biting cold did not seem to affect them at all. Moreover, neither of them was wearing much.

The man on the left wore all white, stylish and striking. He was so handsome, like a male escort from an upscale club.

The man was none other than Joe Driscoll!

The person on the right wore military attire, and her beauty was so stunning that

no words could do it justice. Wherever she stood, she became the center of attention.

It was Luna, just returned from her vacation.

It was an extremely rare sight to see two of the Gabo Creek province's most exceptional prodigies together in one frame.

"So, what do you think of Andrew's martial arts skills? Pretty impressive, right?" Joe broke the silence first.

Luna shrugged. "Not bad, I guess."

Joe shook his head. "Not just 'not bad'... He's incredible, next-level, totally unique. The way he trains Lauren, Francesca, and Aspen is completely tailored to each of them. He teaches exactly what each of those ladies needs to grow strongest."

He added, "The Driscoll family's martial instructors are all famous veterans who've stepped down from the Chetvine circuit. Holtrien's southern martial scene spans an entire continent. So, there's no shortage of powerful folks. But even in that massive talent pool, very few have what Andrew brings to the table."

Luna turned slightly, her face unreadable as she glanced at him. "Joe, you sound almost disheartened."

Joe gave a bitter smile. "Those who are too rigid will break easily—that's the advice my master gave me the day I started training, and now, I finally get it."

A mocking smile curled on Luna's lips. "So what? You got 'broken' by Andrew?"

Joe's face flushed red, anger

flashing in his eyes. Eventually, he calmed down and admitted honestly, "Yes, I'm no match for him. Only two people have defeated me in my entire life. The first was you, you cold-hearted woman. Second, Andrew."

Luna's voice remained flat. "Andrew doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as me, and you do know that, right?"

Joe nodded. "Yeah, you're not wrong. But I still have this feeling that he might actually be a worthy rival for you, maybe even a great stepping stone."

Luna scoffed. "I don't need a stepping stone anymore. I'd just swing my blade and split the stone in half."

Joe shrugged, clearly bored. "Alright, I'm done chatting with the golden child. I'm off to see my mentor."

Luna blinked. "Your mentor? You mean the Driscoll family paid a fortune to hire the head of the Southern Martial Union to teach you?"

Joe shook his head. "Nope."

Luna snorted. "Besides him, I can't imagine anyone in the entire southern region qualified to teach you!"

Joe scratched his head, looking uncharacteristically sheepish. He mumbled, "Technically, she's not really my mentor. I tried to formally become her student, but she ignored me and told me to get lost. But I'm fully committed to martial arts. I'm chasing the peak, and no matter what, I'm going to train under her."

Luna gave a half-smile. "Do I have the honor to know who this mystery woman

is?"

Joe shook his head. "Sorry, can't

say. She's currently working the dish

pit at a fast food joint, and I don'tnoveldrama

you bothering her. Anyway,

that's all. Goodbye." fo

Luna couldn't be bothered in the slightest. Everyone in Blumedale had always assumed Joe was number two, and she was number one.

But the truth was, Luna never saw it that way. She was number one, and she could be number two. Hell, she could be number three if she felt like it.

The point was: she decided on her own ranking.