Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

"But you didn't run or freeze. You stepped forward and squared up like you were ready to fight," Buzz said, locking eyes with Andrew, his tone unreadable.

He added, "I've seen plenty of tough guys among outsiders, but someone like you, Mr. Lloyd, this is a first for me."

Andrew smiled. "Like you said, it's just a beast. And beasts aren't anything to be afraid of."

Buzz shook his head, his face looking ominous and uncertain in the flickering torchlight. "That's no ordinary beast—it's a man-eating monster. We lose at least three hunters or children every year to that creature's bloody jaws."

Ralph stood up shakily with help from Logan's two men, gritting his teeth as he roared, "That damn beast better not let me catch it. When I get back, I'm bringing people to level this entire forest and skin it alive!"

Buzz sneered. "This primitive mountain forest backs up against an entire mountain range, stretching thousands of miles. Do you seriously think you can level this place? Dream on. Besides, we have tried everything by now, and we still haven't been able to kill it."

He scoffed. "You outsiders come in with a few fancy gadgets and suddenly think you're invincible. In the end, you'll just wind up as that thing's next meal."

That contemptuous tone hit Ralph like a slap, and his face flushed red with rage. "You hillbilly bastard, are you seriously looking down on me? The reason you haven't killed that freak is because you Patoajo bumpkins are useless!

"Look at those pieces of junk you call weapons. They're nothing more than sparklers! When I get back to the city, I'll bring submachine guns and grenade launchers. Hell, I'll blow that freak sky high, ghost or not!"

Buzz's eyes narrowed. "Are you sure you want to run your mouth like that in our territory? Do you really think ticking off the locals here is a smart move?"

Behind him, the Patoajo warriors exchanged dark, menacing looks.

Ralph swallowed hard, realizing he had gone too far. However, his pride would not let him back down.

He opened his mouth, about to say something more, when Andrew coldly called out, "Logan!"

Without needing further explanation, Logan stepped in front of Ralph and delivered a massive slap that made the latter cry out in pain, blood gushing out from his mouth.

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"You bastards..." Ralph, who'd just taken a brutal hit, was furious beyond reason.noveldrama

He raised the blade in his hand with bloodshot eyes, pointing it straight at Andrew.

Andrew remained expressionless

and took two steps forward,

deliberately putting his head right up against the blade. "What? You want to takea swing at me? Go ahead. I'm not moving. Try it and see what happens."

His voice was ice-cold and deadly calm.

Ralph gritted his teeth, and his hand holding the blade trembled twice before he ultimately could not bring himself to strike, reluctantly lowering the blade.

"Andrew, you son of a bitch, just

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wait. I don't know why the hell you're kissing up to these Patoajo hillbillies and tribal folk. This journey's full of

dangers, and now that you've

crossed me, you better watch your back."

After that outburst, Ralph stormed off to the rear and started tending to his wounds. The hatred burning in his eyes was thick enough to cut through the dark.

Andrew turned to Buzz. "Buzz, I'm sorry. He crossed the line."

Buzz gave a curt nod. "For your sake, Mr. Lloyd, I'll let it slide-just this once."

With that, he turned and led the Patoajo warriors forward, continuing their advance.