From Ruin to Reign Leander's Unbreakable Will novel Chapter 349

“Ander, let’s go!”

Daphne smiled and waved at Leander, her slender figure radiating grace.

Leander gave her a quick look, nodding to himself in secret.

After not seeing her for these past 2 weeks, he noticed Daphne’s cultivation had grown even more. She was now on par with Ethan, and he couldn’t help but feel impressed. Among the young female martial artists, Daphne’s talent and resilience were truly the best.

In the future, she was bound to become a top martial artist and make her mark in Astria’s martial world.

Not far off, Wesley was sitting in his limited–edition Bentley, his gaze cold as he watched Leander and Daphne standing so close.

“Let’s go!”

Leander nodded. Just as he was about to get in the car with Daphne, a black Rolls–Royce Phantom suddenly pulled up.

Gareth stepped out, looking strict and imposing in his suit, with Ethan following behind him.

“Leander!”

Gareth spoke up, “Today is the martial assembly that Highcliffe’s four major elite families hold every 18 years. Whether you like it or not, you’re still part of the Ashcroft family, and we came here especially to invite you to join us!”

He no longer sounded like the strict father he usually was. His tone was gentle now, because he still felt guilty toward Leander.

Leander turned away, his expression cold.

“Mr. Ashcroft, thanks for the invitation, but I have nothing to do with the Ashcrofts, and I’m not interested in going with you. I’ve got places to be, so I won’t keep you.”

Just the words “Mr. Ashcroft” made Gareth’s gaze harden. Leander glanced at Ethan, gave him a look, then got into the Florians‘ Bentley.

Daphne gave Gareth a polite nod and barely glanced at Ethan. Gareth and Ethan both watched as the Bentley drove away, each with a different look in their eyes.

“Ah!”

After a while, Gareth let out a quiet sigh.

He would have preferred Leander to yell or lose his temper at him. But this cold, distant attitude was the hardest to endure–it made them feel like strangers.

“Dad, Leander is still angry at us. Don’t take it too hard. I’m sure he’ll come around one day,” Ethan said, patting Gareth on the shoulder to comfort him.

Gareth looked up and composed himself, but there was still a spark of sharpness in his eyes.

“Ethan, Daphne’s cultivation has also surged in the last 2 weeks.

“I just checked her cultivation. She’s now every bit your equal. She’ll be your main rival in this assembly. Don’t let your feelings get in the way, or you might lose

your edge!”

Ethan nodded right away.

“Dad, don’t worry. Feelings are feelings, a match is a match. I can keep them separate.”

After speaking, Gareth and Ethan got back into the Rolls–Royce and headed straight for the Southern Ocean.

Inside the Bentley, Wesley looked at Leander with a frosty stare.

“Leander, do you remember our agreement?”

Leander nodded.

“Of course I remember, Mr. Florian. I hope you’ll keep your word, too!”

Wesley let out a cold snort.

“You’re still running your mouth!

“For the past 2 weeks, all you’ve done is drink, party, and play games online. You claim you’ll win the martial assembly, but that’s nothing but empty talk!

“Ever since you lost your martial power, you haven’t trained at all, and now, with the assembly about to start, you haven’t done anything to prepare. Why should I trust you with Daphne?”

Daphne frowned and was about to defend Leander, but Leander just shook his finger gently.

“Mr. Florian, don’t jump to conclusions.

“Other people may need to prepare for the assembly, but I don’t.

“For me, this is nothing but a warm–up. I could win it with barely any effort!”

Wesley’s eyes got even colder, and he shot back, “If you think you can just breeze through the martial assembly, I want to see how you’re going to back up all that big talk!”

He didn’t believe a word Leander said. The martial assembly was the most prestigious event for the four major elite families. 18 years ago, Gareth beat the rest of them and became the strongest of their generation. Not even Gareth would have said it was casy to win the assembly. So where did Leander, a guy with no martial power, get the nerve to talk like this?

Even though Daphne sided with Leander, she couldn’t help but shake her head.

When my dad and your dad fought here 18 years ago, more than half the young martial artists in Astria came to watch. This year is even bigger–probably 80 percent of the top young fighters are already here at

Southern Ocean!”

She flashed Leander a playful grin and hurried over.

Leander strolled after her, keeping about ten steps behind.

Not far ahead, a beautiful young woman stood poised and graceful, her figure captivating half the people nearby.

The looks she drew were full of admiration and a bit of awe. Even though she was stunning, almost nobody dared approach her.

“Claire!”

Daphne hurried over, her face bright with joy.

“Hmm?”

The young woman turned, and when she saw Daphne, her smile bloomed.

“Daphne, it’s been so long!”

She stepped up and hugged Daphne.

“It’s been almost 9 months since we last saw each other at Silvermoon Sect, right?”

This was none other than Claire, the beautiful and powerful prodigy of Silvermoon Sect.

The two girls had always been close, so seeing each other again was a real joy.

Daphne nodded and then said shyly, “Claire, I have good news! Remember that person I told you about? The one I was waiting for? He finally came back for me!”

“Oh?” Claire’s eyes sparkled. “That’s wonderful, Daphne. I’m so happy for you!”

Daphne had confided in Claire about Leander, and Claire knew that Daphne had spent 9 years waiting for him. Now that Daphne had finally gotten her wish, Claire was genuinely happy for her friend.

“He came with me today. Let me introduce you!”

Daphne smiled and called out, “Ander, come over here! I want you to meet someone.”

Claire followed Daphne’s gaze and saw Leander approaching.

In that instant, she froze.

He is the one?