Rising from the Ashes BY Only For You Novel

---- Chapter 1684 Lauren was steadily recovering. Over the next few days, Andrew started getting up early to train in martial arts, bringing along Aspen and the overly enthusiastic Francesca. Joining them were Natasha and Dylan, martial artists from rough backgrounds who had survived on raw instinct and brute strength. Their paths had been messy and unrefined, leading them toward a dead end.

Nonetheless, Andrew guided them back onto the right track, introducing them to proper martial discipline and real combat form. Though neither of them said it out loud, both Natasha and Dylan already held a deep, unspoken gratitude toward him. Andrew said, "Remember this-there are no shortcuts in martial arts. It doesn't matter if you're a natural or a slow leaner.

If you want to climb high in this field, you have to put in the hard work." The morning breeze already carried a slight chill as autumn approached. On the lawn outside Serenity Villa, Andrew stood with his hands behind his back, addressing the four trainees. Francesca stuck out her tongue with a giggle. "Honey, do you have to be so serious? You're making it hard to keep a straight ---- face!" Andrew frowned. "Francesca, step forward." She blushed, pouting. "Seriously?

You're not just playing around?" Andrew looked at her sternly. "I told you all last night that we start training today. And if we're training, we follow the rules. Your attitude just now was way too casual. So let's start with 20 push-ups." Francesca rolled up her sleeves, revealing fair, smooth arms, and smirked. "20? That's it? Don't underestimate me." She stuck out her perky bottom and got down on the ground to start.

Andrew called out, "Dylan, turn around!" Dylan did not understand but obediently turned his back anyway. Meanwhile, Francesca began doing push-ups with proper form, her full bosom touching the ground and bouncing back up with each repetition. Andrew squatted nearby, clearly enjoying the view. Aspen covered her face, silently judging her increasingly shameless master. Natasha, being an experienced woman, barely batted an eye.

In ---- fact, she looked like she was itching for Andrew to call her next. "Alright, done! Not even panting!" Francesca clapped her hands and stood back up, looking incredibly pleased with herself. 'Andrew nodded. "Not bad. Stronger than most guys, honestly. These days, it's rare to find anyone who can crank out 20 proper push-ups." Aspen chimed in, "So, can we start real training now?" Andrew waved a hand. "No rush. First, | want to ask you all a question.

What do you think Holtrien's martial art style is really about?" Francesca tilted her head, thinking for a moment before answering, "Isn't that obvious? It's a technique for staying fit and healthy! Every morning, the parks are full of old folks doing Aether Balance routines." Andrew shook his head. "What you see in those parks is mostly just health-focused exercise. That kind of Aether Balance?

It's barely above stretching." Aspen added, "| heard martial arts came from ancient military systems. It's a combat skill that's been passed down and refined. Andrew nodded. "Exactly. You've got part of the truth, but there's more to it." ---- Natasha spoke up, arms crossed. "Honestly? Most modern martial arts are just showy fluff. Real combat techniques can be summed up in three words: deadly fighting skills." Andrew grinned, clearly pleased. "That's the answer | was looking for.

Yes, what I'm teaching you isn't for fancy choreography or point-scoring in tournaments. It's a skill meant to protect, and if necessary, to kill." He continued, "But understand that just because you're learning deadly techniques doesn't mean you go around hurting people. It's about protecting yourself, and more importantly, protecting the people you love."