Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

If Luna did not want someone ranked a certain way, then no one had the right to claim that spot. An example would be Andrew's ranking.

With that, she walked away from Joe's mansion.

Leslie was already waiting by the military vehicle. She asked, "General, would you like to visit Colonel Haywood first?"

Luna got in the car and questioned her coldly, "Why bother with that useless man?"

Leslie forced a smile. "But Colonel Haywood was injured for your sake, and for the sake of the entire camp!"

Luna paused for a moment, then gave a slight nod. "Fair point. I suppose I should at least make some kind of gesture."

Leslie quickly agreed. "Exactly, General. It wouldn't hurt to say a few kind words. The Haywoods are pretty upset right now. They're expecting you to stand up for Colonel Haywood!"

Luna nodded and made her decision. "Alright then. In my name, send a message to the Haywoods. Xavier failed his mission and proved to be completely useless. As of today, he's no longer qualified to serve under my command. Tell him to go back to his original post. I don't take in garbage."

Leslie's hands froze on the steering wheel, his eyes wide in disbelief. "General..." Luna barked, "Drive! Take me to Aroma Exchange, and don't say another word. If you speak again, I'll see to it that your tongue gets trimmed by an inch."

Leslie turned as pale as a sheet. He trembled as he started the engine, not daring to breathe too loudly.

Serving someone like Luna was like working beside a tiger; you never knew when you would get bitten.

...

After breakfast, Andrew stayed home and received a delivery of rare medicinal herbs.

Rachel was the one who brought them. She said, "Mr. Lloyd, I figured you'd need these. They're all freshly looted from Marcelo's turf."

Andrew took the box and nodded. "Much appreciated. You can go now."

However, Rachel did not move. She fidgeted awkwardly and muttered, "Mr. Lloyd, can I come in for a little house tour?"

Andrew glanced at her. "No."

Rachel looked annoyed. "Mason got sent to a retirement ward, and he's already getting tortured there. Ryder's really not holding back!"noveldrama

Andrew shrugged. "Sounds like justice to me."

Rachel huffed. "Mr. Lloyd, I'm on my period and need to change my pad."

Andrew replied flatly, "Then change it outside."

Rachel was stunned speechless.

Andrew added, "Don't worry, no one else is around. No one's gonna see you."

Rachel scowled. "Mr. Lloyd, goodbye. I hope you stay single forever."

Andrew chuckled. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm living it up every night— nonstop action."

Marcelo's stash turned out to be pretty impressive. Combined with Andrew's recent haul, he had managed to stockpile a collection of premium herbs. Wasting no time, he shut himself in for the whole day to craft medicinal pills. Most of them were customized for his five elite disciples. Each had a unique constitution, so every pill had to be made specifically to fit their needs.

As for his own needs, the elixirs had to be even more refined, more

advanced. So in the end, Androl ne

managed to craft just one seventh-grade divine pill for himself.

He did not wait for it to cool, just tossing it into his mouth like a piece of candy and crunching it down on the spot. Then, he closed his eyes and started refining the energy using the pill's intense medicinal power to attack his internal seal.

Yet, nothing happened. Or rather, the effect was so faint, it was practically useless.

He mumbled, "A seventh-grade pill isn't cutting it anymore. Looks like I need to hit at least eighth grade, but the herbs for that formula aren't? easy to gather. Seems like cracking the second seal will take something much more intense."

He sighed and shook his head, clearly frustrated.