Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Another half day passed, and Andrew and his team finally arrived at their destination-Gallow's End, the location marked on the treasure map.

Based on its illustrations, the treasure entrance was supposed to be carved into the base of a steep mountain, so steep it looked practically impossible to climb.

The treasure was said to be buried deep within the mountain itself, through a tunnel someone had once hollowed out. However, as dusk fell and Andrew's convoy rolled up to the mountain's base, everyone was stunned.

The spot marked Gallow's End, supposedly the hidden treasure entrance, had turned into a heritage hamlet.

The street was paved with weathered cobblestones, and both sides were lined with quaint shops glowing softly with warm lights.

The entire area radiated commercial charm. While it was not overly crowded, a handful of middle-aged backpackers strolled and laughed under the evening sky, even at 9 p.m.

Tiana frowned. "Andy, are we in the wrong place?"

Andrew did not respond right away. He pulled out the treasure map and examined it closely again. Finally, he shook his head. "No. This is the place."

Behind them, Logan and Chantelle had already instructed their teams to park the cars. Both of them walked over to Andrew, wearing expressions of confusion and skepticism.

"You didn't bring us here for a vacation, did you?" Logan joked dryly.

Andrew did not laugh. "Everyone, split up and start asking around. Be discreet. Don't mention anything about treasure. Just see if you can dig up anything about the name Gallow's End."

Chantelle stepped forward. "No need. Leave it to me. Everyone, follow me."

Logan blinked. "Wait-Ms. Garcia, you've got a plan?"

Chantelle ignored him. She looked at Andrew and said firmly, "Mr. Lloyd, I'll prove

to you that my presence on this expedition is an asset, not a liability."

With that, she huffed and strode off confidently down the cobbled path.

Tiana chuckled. "Come on, Andy. Who knows, maybe Ms. Garcia really does have a trick up her sleeve."

Logan walked beside Andrew and whispered, "Did you piss her off?" Andrew scoffed. "I didn't. She's the one who picked a fight with me."

Logan patted him on the shoulder. "Don't stress about her. I know those two tagalongs of hers are dead weight. But honestly, that Magnus? Sure, he's greedy and loves to brag, but the guy does know a thing or two about geomancy.

"And Ralph? That guy's solid. If things get ugly, we can always throw him in front as a meat shield."

Andrew frowned. "Logan, you're not seriously okay with someone dying, are you?"

Logan gave a casual shrug. "As long as it's not one of us, who cares?" Andrew fell silent.

Logan's words were not unusual for a man raised in a powerful family. To people like him, the lives of outsiders were hardly worth

mentioning. If Andrew had no net

proven his own strength by now, Logan likely would not even be speaking to him as an equal.

Ten minutes later, under Chantelle's lead, the group arrived in front of a traditional

stilted wooden house-an elevated home common among mountain tribes.

This entire old village, tucked beneath the towering mountain, was a preserved minority heritage site, complete with rustic aesthetics and cultural charm that drew in tourists from the cities.

Inside the stilted home, Chantelle flashed her badge and calmly identified herself. A middle-aged

immediately stood at attennet

man with a patterned head wrnetnoveldrama

"An

official visit? Forgive me, Miss. I didn't realize we were receiving a dignitary—please accept my apology."

Chantelle put away her credentials and smiled. "No need to be so formal, Chief Flintspire. I've come to your beautiful village for a very specific reason, and I was hoping you could help us with it."

Axel Flintspire's expression turned slightly strange. "You're not here asking about the ancient ruins of Gallow's End, are you?"

Chantelle froze. "You know about Gallow's End, Chief Flintspire?"

Andrew and Tiana could not help but take another look at this Patoajo village

chief. It seemed he knew something after all.

He motioned for them to sit down and smiled warmly. "I won't lie to you, Miss. The legend of Gallow's End has always been a part of this place."