Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

The Hidden Dragons members started mocking Andrew. "Did you seriously call some rent-a-cop to throw out elite fighters from the Hidden Dragons?"

"Andrew must've lost his damn mind after seeing Mr. Thurman show up!"

"Hah! No doubt about it-he probably pissed himself the second Mr. Thurman walked through the door!"

Finley sneered. "Andrew, you're getting dumber by the minute. You ain't even worth dirt in front of our elder, so what makes you think your little guard dog here stands a chance? Hell, I don't even need Mr. Thurman to handle him-I could make this guy get on his knees and beg!"

With a twisted grin, Finley lunged faster than anyone expected, swinging a slap right at Phantom Eye's head.

Nyla gasped. "Watch out!"

Phantom Eye chuckled. “Well, damn. First day on the job and already being looked down on? Tsk, tsk... do I really look like someone that easy to mess with?"

He tilted his head to the side, easily dodging the slap without even trying. Then, he returned the favor with a brutal backhand that came out of nowhere.

Lionel shouted in panic, "Finley, get back!"

Yet, it was too late.

Finley did not even see the strike. He just spat out a mouthful of blood and went flying sideways like a ragdoll, his neck nearly twisted from the force of the hit!

The rest of the Hidden Dragons' crew froze in disbelief, and all eyes were locked on Phantom Eye. They could not believe just how strong the "guard" was.

Groaning, Finley struggled to crawl back up, his face pale with fear. "You..."

Phantom Eye let out a mocking laugh. "What's wrong, punk? Weren't you just calling me a worthless security? Come at me again, tough guy."

Nyla clapped her hands with glee. "You're amazing!"

Francesca laughed too. "You're a total legend!"

Lionel let out a sharp grunt and stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Phantom Eye. "Sir, may I ask your name? underestimated you earlier. But you laid hands on someone from the Hidden Dragons without cause, and today, I will demand an explanation!"

Phantom Eye rolled his neck and did not back down an inch. "You want my name? Fine. I don't hide who I am. In this world, they call me Phantom Eye."

Lionel repeated it under his breath-"Phantom Eye... Phantom Eye..." Suddenly, his eyes widened as recognition hit him like a truck.

"Y-You're that Phantom Eye? The lone assassin from Blumedale, the infamous killer-for-hire?"

He looked stunned, then quickly shifted to scorn. "Well, well... I didn't think someone of your caliber would fall this low. Guarding a backwater clinic in Jayrodale? Pathetic You've really sunk to rock bottom."

Lionel's words dripped with venom, but Phantom Eye's fuse was short. With a loud roar, he lunged straight at Lionel, fists flying as the two clashed in an all-out brawl.

Lionel fought as he retreated, yelling, "Phantom Eye, don't push it! You're interfering with Hidden Dragons business today-can you really handle the consequences when our leader finds out?"

Phantom Eye snarled, "Screw your

leader and your entire crew! I don't

give a damn who you are. Right now, I'm Moonlit Apothecary's security Mr. Lloyd gave me clear orders-anyone who shows

ve

looking for trouble gets their ass kicked out! So, all you wannabe thugs? I'm putting you in the ground!"

The clash between two half-step martial kings shook the entire building. They went blow for blow, neither holding back, trading lethal strikes like it was a deathmatch

Finley growled through bloodied teeth, "Go! While Mr. Thurman holds off the guard, the rest of us will wipe this damn clinic off the map!"

However, just as he finished barking the order, Andrew made his move.

Like a tiger let loose in a pen of sheep, he blitzed through the Hidden Dragons fighters with blinding speed. One after another, they

screamed in pain as they were net?noveldrama

sent

flying in all directions, coughing up blood as they slammed into walls and crashed to the ground.