Whether Aurora City could stabilize was not really Andrew's concern. He just needed to control the city and keep its military forces firmly in his grasp.

Killing people was indeed the best way to establish authority. The other prominent figures in the city now followed suit, kneeling down to pledge their loyalty. Whether they were truly loyal or not, Andrew did not care one bit. After making his point clear a few more times, he dismissed them all to return home.

Afterward, Andrew summoned Petra. The latter was unusually hesitant and awkward.

Scratching his head, Petra looked genuinely embarrassed as he said, "I don't dare call you by your name anymore, or address you so casually like I used to, calling you 'kid' and all that!"

Andrew smiled and asked, "What? Do you find me scary now, Petra?"

Petra replied thoughtfully, "You're a bit intimidating, honestly. You're perfectly suited to be a leader; it's like you were born for it. Even though you're much younger than me, your marti