“Praise the Eternal Eclipse.”
At that moment, a religious chant rang out.
+15 BONUS
Matthias, the plump, fair–faced abbot, finally took his seat “Mrs. Peck, please calm yourself.”
Victoria’s expression gradually relaxed. “Sorry, Abbot Graves. I didn’t mean to cause a scene.”
After speaking, she lowered her head and began eating the vegetarian meal. She served food to Andrew, Liliana, and Miles.
Liliana stuck out her tongue and whispered to Andrew, “That’s just how it is. When my dad drinks, he gets really nasty. But as soon as my mom gets angry, he doesn’t dare act up!”
Andrew did not comment. To him, Calvin was pathetic. Without Victoria, Andrew would have killed him long ago. Back in Goldridge, he had already thought about putting this waste of space down.
After a few minutes of eating, Victoria set down her spoon and said, “Abbot Graves, I have a request. I want to help Andrew become King of Gabo Creek. Right now, we just need one powerful figure to support us. So I’d like to invite you to come out of seclusion and join our side.”
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone around the table fell silent.
Calvin looked shocked. “Victoria, h–how can you do this? Andrew isn’t worth your support at all!”
Victoria smiled disdainfully. “Calvin, a useless piece of trash like you should just keep quiet! If it weren’t for my sake, Andrew would have ended you already.”
Calvin’s face twisted with humiliation. He did not say another word, but his expression was dark. He reached for his drink, only to remember it had been taken away.
The truth was, Calvin feared Andrew, especially after seeing that even Goldridge’s most powerful figures could not keep him down. If Andrew ever decided to take him or the Peck family out, it would be far too easy.
However, what stunned Calvin most was that Victoria valued Andrew this highly.
Was this kid really that powerful now in Gabo Creek?
Matthias chuckled softly and shook his head. “Mrs. Peck, I’ve long since left the worldly life behind. The violence and bloodshed of the martial world no longer suit me.”
Calvin jumped in quickly. “Exactly! Someone like Abbot Graves shouldn’t get involved in fights, Victoria, Andrew’s just a kid… What power could he possibly have? Backing him as King of Gabo Creek is pure fantasy. If he could pull that off, then I could be the leader of the Southern Martial Union.”
He let out an awkward laugh, but when no one joined in, he fell silent.
Victoria’s voice turned serious. “Abbot Graves, Andrew has the potential, the skill, and the talent for this. Believe me when I say that he will even surpass Jerome, the current Union Leader.” 1
Matthias nodded slightly but still shook his head. “Mrs. Peck, I don’t doubt you. But unfortunately, I’m no longer a man of this world. The martial world today no longer has a place for me.”
Victoria’s frustration began to show, but Andrew could not bear to see her lower herself for him.
Victoria was not someone who should have to beg.
1/2
+15 BONUS
He said coldly, “Victoria, forget it. If I’m going to be King of Gabo Creek, I’ll do it on my own. The only person here I trust is you. The rest? I neither accept nor believe in
Victoria frowned in frustration. “You foolish boy, do you even know who Abbot Graves really is? He’s the number one martial artist in all of Gabo Creek. Real name Franklin Gurney, ranked tenth on the Titan List, just two spots below Jerome himself.”
She continued, “With someone like him backing you, taking the throne of King of Gabo Creek would be effortless. That’s why I told you earlier not to worry about the Driscoll people. Even the Three Titans of Blumedale wouldn’t dare throw their weight around here.”
Andrew was genuinely surprised.
He looked at the plump, serene–faced Matthias and realized this mild–looking monk was actually the top fighter in Gabo Creek, only two ranks shy of Jerome.
Matthias pressed his palms together and smiled. “Mrs. Peck, you flatter me. And Mr. Lloyd, please don’t take it personally. You do have a real chance at the King of Gabo Creek title. But… you’re about to lose your life. For that, I can only express my deepest regret.”
Andrew stared at him. “So you not only have deep knowledge of the religion, but you can also see the future?”
Victoria snapped, “Abbot Graves, what is that supposed to mean?” 1
Matthias said nothing, only kept murmuring, “Praise the Eternal Eclipse.”
From outside the dining hall came a sharp, venomous laugh. “Andrew, Victoria… Abbot Graves isn’t wrong! Today marks the death date for you adulterous pair! Especially you, bastard Andrew! Come meet your doom!”
With a furious roar, a figure charged through the doorway first.
It was Scarlett!
Behind her, Andrew instantly sensed two profound auras following closely. In that instant, he understood that this mountain cathedral, once a place of peace, was about to become a slaughterhouse.
And he and Victoria were now the prime targets. 4
