Soon, Eric found himself in grave danger under Henry’s assault. If not for the miraculous power of Phantom Mirage, Henry would have already injured him.
Andrew’s voice rang out calmly at that moment. “He wants to kill you, yet you’re holding back at every turn. Eric, if you want to live and see Mr. Thornton again and make peace with yourself, then the first thing you need to do is love yourself. And if you love yourself, you fight to survive.”
Those words struck home. Eric drew a deep breath, his hesitation burning away. His eyes turned hazy as the Phantom Mirage activated in full.
Henry’s head buzzed, and his attacking movements involuntarily slowed by half a beat.
Eric immediately closed in and could have kicked Henry’s heart to seriously wound him. Yet, at the last moment, he still pulled back, choosing to punch Henry in the chest instead.
Henry scoffed, his tone laced with mockery. “I knew you couldn’t do it. You still can’t bring yourself to hurt me, can you, my sweet Eric?”
The cloudiness in Henry’s eyes suddenly cleared. “Just now, I was deliberately showing you an opening. Did you really think that after spending so much time together, I wouldn’t guard against your Phantom Mirage? Sorry, Eric, but since you’ve already changed sides, you’re no use to me anymore!”
Violent force suddenly surged forth. Henry grabbed Eric’s fist with his other hand and struck Eric’s chest with his palm.
Eric’s head jerked back with a cry as blood covered his face. The light in his eyes dimmed, and like a torn rag doll, he was sent flying. He crashed into the wall and dropped heavily to the ground, unmoving.
Henry burst into triumphant laughter, striding toward the stone platform. “The Greene family saintess is mine after all. Andrew, no matter how clever or relentless you are, you’ll never beat me. Not just you, but the Crimson Flame Cult and even the McDaniel family—all of you are nothing more than stepping stones for me.”
He reached for Shiloh, his palm hovering over her body.
Alistair’s hoarse voice cut in smoothly. “Mr. Fischer, why not cooperate with us instead? One more step, and I can bind her to the Crimson Flame Cult forever. If you stand aside, the High Oracle will reward you with a martial art that can dominate the world.”
Henry chuckled darkly, his voice dripping with scorn. “Do you take me for a fool? The Crimson Flame Cult is nothing but an evil cult from Auqania. You think I’d lower myself to take your so-called divine techniques? Pathetic.”
Nicholas roared, “Mr. Fischer, this is the McDaniel family’s domain. If you dare steal from us, we will demand justice.”
Henry smirked. “Once the saintess is in my hands, justice will mean nothing. Even if it sparks open war, I will not flinch. Farewell, gentlemen!”
Andrew said calmly, “You’re celebrating too early!”
He abandoned Nicholas without hesitation, ignoring the deadly sword strikes aimed at him. In one explosive burst, Andrew shot forward a few meters. His palm cut through the air, slamming down toward the back of Henry’s head.
Henry screamed, terror flashing across his face. The last time he had felt Andrew’s Inferno Strike, it had scarred him deep. He twisted desperately to escape.
“Andrew, you bastard!”
Andrew gave him no quarter. His speed surged, closing the distance in a blink. In midair, he swept a kick toward Henry’s lower body.