Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 1506

Axel said, "Legend says that the Demon Queen of the Fallen Crimson Dynasty once built a mountain palace here. There are also rumors that a massive treasure from the Fallen Crimson Dynasty is hidden in our area. But honestly, it's all completely made up—just stories passed down and exaggerated over time."

Tiana could not help but interrupt. "How do you know it's made up? I think you're not being honest and don't want to tell the truth."

Axel looked like an honest, straightforward man, and Tiana's sharp words clearly flustered him. His face grew awkward as he replied, "Beautiful lady, I haven't lied to you. You can go outside and see for yourself—if we really had treasure here, would our ancient village still be this poor and backward?

"You must have seen on your way here that our Gallow's End village is hundreds of miles from the nearest county seat. The entire route is nothing but cliffs and steep terrain. The only concrete mountain road was just completed this year.

"Five years ago, no one had ever heard of this godforsaken place. Do you really think there could be treasure in such a remote, impoverished area?"

His words left the entire group speechless.

Axel smiled bitterly. "You're the second group to come asking about treasure. The previous group wandered around our village for half the day and found nothing. They caused quite a commotion before heading up into the mountains."

Tiana immediately said, "It must be the Wrights or Rafael's people. Andy, we need to catch up with them right away. Whatever the situation is, we can find out by asking them."

Andrew asked Axel, "Chief Flintspire, can you take us to find that previous group?"

Axel shook his head without hesitation, fear evident on his face. "It's getting dark, and the mountains will be covered in black fog with wild beasts and monsters roaming around.

"Once night falls, our village people never risk going into the mountains. Most people who enter the mountains end up having accidents."

Chantelle frowned. "Chief Flintspire, this is the age of science—there are no such things as monsters. Can't you arrange for someone to guide us into the mountains? Money isn't an issue."

Axel shook his head vigorously. "Miss, I can't. I really can't. Even our village's most skilled hunters won't take this kind of job. Money may be important, but compared to life, it's nothing."

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