Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

At that moment, Andrew casually reminded them, "Buzz and his men's torches are almost out of our sight. If we're going into the mountains, we need to leave right now. Following them gives us backup. If you're all scared, then let's head back home."

Chantelle quickly made up her mind and said, "I think we can't turn back now. Kevin and Rafael are already ahead of us. Right now, they've probably already entered the forbidden area. If we go back home, then when we try again tomorrow, everything might be over."

Tiana gritted her teeth. "Andy, you lead the way. Let's hurry and catch up. Anyone who wants to go home can do as they please, but I'm not going back."

Logan said, "Andy, let's go. We came all this way, so we might as well see what's there."

Andrew nodded. "Alright, since none of you object, we'll keep moving forward."

After taking two steps, he suddenly turned back and looked at Ralph with a mocking smile. "Mr. Sutton, you're supposed to be the most impressive survival expert in our group. Seems like you'd be the perfect guy to take point."

Ralph laughed dryly. "What are you saying, Mr. Lloyd? I'm injured, so I'll just walk in the middle of the group. Leading is more suitable for capable people like you, Mr. Lloyd."

Andrew rolled his eyes. "Coward."

Ralph was furious, his face burning with humiliation. In his heart, he thought bitterly, 'I may be a coward, but you, Andrew, will soon be a corpse. Let's see how much longer you can act smug!'

In the darkness of the mountain forest, where rocks and trees intertwined, Andrew led his group forward quickly and caught up with Buzz and the other Patoajo warriors.

"Two more miles and we'll reach the edge of the forbidden area," Buzz informed Andrew directly.

After everything that had happened, his attitude toward the outsiders had softened quite a bit. Or rather, his respect for Andrew had grown.

Courage meant everything among the Patoajo, and in Buzz's eyes, Andrew had proved himself a true warrior.

Andrew struck up a casual tone. "Buzz, when we reach the boundary, and if there's no one there, are you planning to enter the restricted area yourselves?"

Buzz's face turned deadly serious. "Mr. Lloyd, don't even think about going in. Trust me-curiosity kills more than just cats. And if curiosity doesn't get you, greed will. I'd hate to see someone as bold and capable as you end up dead in that place."

Andrew nodded in agreement. "Fair point, Buzz. I was just asking. If it's really that dangerous, I don't care if there's a mountain of treasure in there—I'm not walking into my own grave."

Buzz nodded. "It's best that you think that way. Finding the edge of the forbidden area is the limit of what my men and I can do. If those city folks are still alive, we'll rescue them and bring them back. If not, then I'm sorry, but I'll take my Patoajo warriors and head straight back to the heritage hamlet down the mountain."

Logan could not help asking, "Buzz, the Patoajo people always seem terrified of that forbidden area. I'm really curious if there are ghosts in there. Or are there wild beasts? Or something worse?"

Buzz's voice trembled. "There are no ghosts in there, and no wild beasts either. What's in there is something more terrifying than ghosts or wild beasts."

Logan pressed on, "What is it?"

Buzz waved his hand, put his head down, and kept walking without saying another word. No matter how much Logan pestered him for information, he would not say another sentence.

Mohave, who was walking behind the other Patoajo warriors, glanced at Andrew with hesitation, then finally could not help saying, "Mr. Lloyd, actually, what's really dangerous in the forbidden area is—"

Just as he was about to reveal the

truth, Buzz shouted, "Shut up,

Mohave! Have you forgotten the Chief Flintspire's instructions?

Nothing about what's inside

velnoveldrama

Gallow's End's forbidden area can be

told to outsiders, understand?"

Mohave immediately dropped his head. "Yes, Captain Buzz. I-I won't say another word!"