Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew had not told anyone about Magnus, partly because he still could not figure out what the old man was trying to do by sneaking into the ruins alone.

And partly because, truth be told, he did not really care whether Magnus lived or died.

Since the old man had chosen to go solo, Andrew couldn't be bothered to waste energy worrying about him. More importantly, he did not want to disrupt the group's focus. After all, everyone was already worn down by fear and tension on this journey.

The treasure of the Fallen Crimson Dynasty, just like the map said, truly was a hell for the living. Although calling it hell was somewhat exaggerated, there were definitely plenty of strange and dangerous threats,

"This place is a damn wreck," Logan muttered.

The group moved slowly, scanning their surroundings. Aside from a few collapsed wooden huts, most of the structures were made of stone.

The early settlers of Gallow's End were certainly industrious. The stone houses were surprisingly tall-many of them three stories, built close side by side. Some were still standing and looked like they could be lived in.

Only a handful had crumbled over time or been damaged by something else.

Andrew walked in the front, silent, eyes sharp and alert as his gaze swept across the ruins. The moment anything stirred, the hunting knife in his hand would be ready to strike.

The knife was one Buzz had given him, the kind of brutal tool the Patoaja warriors used. Just the blood groove alone was half a finger deep.

The group of about 20 people had walked about 300 feet into the eerily quiet village in complete silence, and none of them spoke.

Being in an absolutely quiet, oppressive environment would make anyone instinctively not want to talk. Even if they wanted to communicate, they would hold back or keep their voices extremely low.

After exploring another 150 feet inward, Andrew stopped because the path ahead had split into several branches going left, right, and in other directions.

Logan whispered, "What should we do? Should we split up and search?"

Andrew pondered for a moment and decided, "It'll be faster if we split up. Let's do that."

Tiana immediately turned left with Jerry. "We'll take this side."

Chantelle looked like she wanted to follow Andrew, but she could not bring herself to ask. Frustrated, she ended up dragging Ralph with her down the right path.

Logan chuckled. "Andy, my team and I will take this lane."

Andrew nodded and turned to the remaining path. "Natasha, let's move."noveldrama

Natasha had already been thoroughly frightened on this expedition. She immediately pressed close to Andrew, not leaving his side for a moment.

As Andrew walked forward, he said with amusement, "You're going to have to give

me a little space. You're glued to me, and I can barely move."

Natasha's face was deathly pale as she pleaded, "Darling, I'm terrified don't want to move an inch away from you. Honestly, if I couldol'd have you carry me."

Feeling the warmth and softness pressing against his back, Andrew sighed. The widow was not making it easy, but he did not have the heart to push her off. He had already surveyed this ruined village from higher ground earlier, and this ancient village site was not very large, surrounded by tall mountain ranges.

So, the treasure entrance had to be either on the mountain walls or inside this ancient village.

At first, Andrew suspected the treasure might be hidden within the mountains. But

the more he thought about it, the less sense that made.

The mountain terrain was

dangerously steep, like a fortress of natural stone. Given the Fallen Crimson Dynasty's technological limits Opening an entrance on the mountain wall was not just difficult, but a staggering expenditure of time and labor.

Moreover, the excavation noise would have been enormous, easily attracting the attention of interested parties.

Hence, Andrew ultimately concluded that the treasure entrance must be within

this ancient village.

The most dangerous place was often the safest hiding spot, and the ancients had understood that game well.