Cordelia asked, "You must have known my identity for a while. Now that we've met, is there anything you need me to do for you?" Felix smiled softly. "No need. I'll seek justice with my own hands. If you could have helped earlier, you would have, right?" Felix was truly brilliant, and Cordelia was delighted at such a realization. He was indeed her and Victor's son."The attack on you was ordered by the King, carried out by the fourth and sixth princes. Felix, your presence threatens the balance the royal family has maintained for years." Felix's brow furrowed as realization dawned. "Are you talking about alchemy?" "Exactly. Specifically, the Ascension Pill that creates masters of the Transcendent Realm. The royal alchemists' success rate may not be the highest, but it far exceeds both Bern and Madam Goddard. That's why there are so many masters in the royal family. "Your emergence means more powerful warriors outside royal control. What if they rebel one day? The royal family
Only when the voice rang out did everyone notice someone had approached. They were all shocked. After all, their power should have detected any presence. Their amazement doubled when they saw it was Felix who had lifted Lloyd by the throat. "Felix! How are you still alive?" Lloyd was the most dramatic, his eyes filled with disbelief. Then, realizing his situation, he panicked. "Help me! Help me!" Despite consuming several pills, his body was still exhausted from using all his trump cards. He could barely move his fingers and speak more clearly than before. In every other way, he was in an utterly vulnerable situation.Just as the other three were about to move, a crisp snap echoed. Lloyd's neck went limp as Felix casually tossed him to the ground. "What's wrong? You're allowed to try killing me, but I'm not allowed to kill?" Without hesitation, the remaining three masters fled. They were clever enough not to separate, running in the same direction. Otherwise, they might ha
"Felix is right. We should head to Imperial City." Deborah felt helpless. All she could do now was worry about Felix. Even with several masters of Transcendence Realm backing them, challenging the royal family would be futile. As they continued their journey, Felix asked, "Madam Goddard, have you or Mr. Earnhart Senior ever met the royal alchemists?" The question made Deborah frown as she answered, "Yes. We've met them and know who they are, but their pill-forming rate remains a mystery." Her body tensed when she finished speaking."Are you saying the royal family attacked because they feared your presence would affect Martial City's Ascension Pill production?" When Felix nodded, Deborah, Ezra, and the others immediately grasped the implications."That explains how the royal family maintained so many masters of Transcendence Realm over the years. They must have eliminated any alchemist they thought could produce advanced pills at a higher rate." Everyone understood withou
Though unsure why Felix asked about this, Deborah answered, "We certainly do. Many attempt to steal pills or herbs from Harmony Clinic. Once caught, they fall under our jurisdiction. "So far, we've used them all as test subjects for our pills." This was perfect. Felix's newly formed plan could work. "Madam Goddard, since the royal family is so relentless, they'd kill openly in the city. Thus, nowhere is truly safe for me." He realized he had been naive earlier for wanting to rely on Cordelia's token and his own abilities while staying in the city. Shepherd's words had struck home. What if the royal family sent one of their most terrifying masters of Transcendent Realm to kill him? That would lead to two outcomes: either his death or Cordelia appearing publicly to save him. Their relationship would become known throughout Martial City. Even if others remained clueless, how could the royal family not figure it out?The danger would only escalate then. "So, what do you propose?
Hearing Andre's words, Felix asked, "And what if I had a way? One that guaranteed the royal family couldn't find me." Andre smiled. "If you really do, Shepherd and I will help you put on a show." Behind the wheel, Shepherd sighed. "Why drag me into this?" "Stop complaining! After this failed attempt, the royal family will contact you. Am I right?" Everyone in Martial City knew Shepherd valued profit above all else—at least to the ones in the car. Andre's words rang true."Fine. We'll put on a show. I'll be the good guy just for once," Shepherd agreed. Deborah smirked. Playing the good guy? He simply saw better odds backing Felix than the overbearing royal family.…In Imperial City, Zayn's face darkened as he hung up the phone. "Ean! Have you heard? The six masters of Transcendent Realm failed. It feels like a nightmare." Ean Palmer remained notably calmer, contemplating before speaking, "It seems Felix has multiple ways to save himself. Or perhaps Deborah arranged a hid
The fact that Aiden knew Felix's true identity was not surprising. Though he had been too young to remember Cordelia's face and status when Victor was alive, Meredith had known everything. Expecting panic from Felix, Aiden instead heard a calm telepathic response. "Really? Then, go tell the royal family. I'm right here in Imperial City. Let them come for me." Watching Felix enter the restaurant, Aiden clenched his fists before leaving."Did he think I'd be afraid?" Felix was not concerned. If Aiden meant to talk, he would have done so long before this encounter.It was obvious that Kevin had taken the Dragonspine from the Skeletal Demon for Aiden's sake. After all, Aiden had been searching for it in the capital. He must have missed Felix during that time when Felix was not around.Now, Aiden surely knew Felix had several Dragonspine pieces. He wouldn't tell the royal family about him. Because if Felix died, the Dragonspine would be lost forever.After eating, Felix entered th
As the moment approached, Felix signaled Shepherd, who sighed while stroking the steering wheel. "Ah, you've been with me for years. This time you probably won't even be fixable. Goodbye." His sudden betrayal would definitely destroy the car. He seemed to have a genuine attachment to it."Don't worry, I'll get you another one."Behind the Mercedes-Benz, four masters of Transcendent Realm followed. They were maintaining the maximum distance where they could see the G63 without being detected by its occupants. "Stay alert. We're far enough from Imperial City. They could act at any moment." The leader had barely finished speaking when a companion complained, "We should have thought to turn Shepherd earlier. We would have succeeded already.""Shut up! Focus on the task at hand."Suddenly, at the edge of their vision, the G63 exploded. They heard Andre's furious roar. "Shepherd! How dare you attack me?"The four immediately accelerated toward the scene."Felix! Run! Shepherd has
Felix was stunned. His casual conversation with Dickson had proven true. The person emerging from Corpse Town was none other than Dean.Back then, Dickson had joked that with such a high bounty and no trace of the Maximus family, there were only two possibilities. Either they had gone to the capital, or they had hidden in one of the Three Forbidden Lands.But how likely was the latter? Everyone in Martial City knew the Three Forbidden Lands were places of no return. Why would the entire Maximus family hide there?Yet, here was proof. Their elder—and only master of the Transcendence Realm—had appeared. What more evidence was needed?Seeing his enemy made Dean's blood boil. Once, he, the Grand Elder, and two masters of Transcendent Realm had worked together. But not only had they failed to capture Felix, but they also watched him survive the Echo Cavern—a place that should have meant certain death.Though hiding in Corpse Town, Dean occasionally ventured out in disguise. That was wh
It would be a lie to say that Lachlan wasn't surprised when he saw Felix. As an Orion, of course, he was aware of the entire situation.Felix was sent to Aquamarinus, a planet that was known for its deadliness.Even a genius would most likely die there. However, Felix succeeded in breaking through. Although his strength had been confirmed indirectly, Lachlan didn't take it seriously. He even told his family that there was no need to cheat.As long as he was there, Felix wouldn't be able to pass his level. Felix sneered, but didn't respond. They just met, and they were already mortal enemies. If they had a chance, they would've killed one another. So why should they even attempt to be civil?"Julius, nothing has happened yet, and you're already kissing his ass?" Lachlan laughed mockingly. Felix stayed silent, so Lachlan couldn't be bothered to mock him. Instead, Lachlan turned to Julius, who smiled."I don't need to report everything I do to you, Lachlan. Just worry about yours
This was something Felix hadn't thought of. The Orions had been too arrogant and thought their people could kill him, but they didn't anticipate the special conditions on Aquamarinus at night. If it wasn't due to that, Felix wasn't sure if he would still be alive now."Why are you telling me this?" Felix asked.Julius looked at him oddly. "My family, the Leachs, are on par with the Orions and developing fast. We don't want any conflicts with you or Earth, so tell me, why wouldn't I make friends with a strong man like you?"Since you can break out of Aquamarinus, you have the qualifications to win. At least for now, the champions of the elimination rounds in the Rank-Ascending Competition are extraordinary people."He continued, "I'm just offering help now. Once you succeed in the future, you can help me, right? I have nothing to lose, so why not try?"Felix understood his reasons. In this case, he was completely alone, and making acquaintances with the Leachs was good."How hard
As soon as Julius entered, Felix turned on the soundproof barrier and asked impatiently, "How do you know I'm from Earth?"Everyone here was a stranger, and the distance between each of their hometowns was over hundreds of thousands of miles. How could Julius tell where Felix was from so accurately?Julius looked a little helpless. "Your name is Felix, and your elimination match was on Aquamarinus. Of course, I know you're from Earth."Well, that was quite the redundant answer."No, listen to what I have to say."After motioning for Felix to sit down, Julius continued, "In the Rank-Ascending Competition, some people in power can actually cheat within the rules. Have you heard of the Orion family?"Before Felix could answer, Julius had already guessed the answer based on his gaze. "Heh, seems like Earth isn't as barbaric as everyone thought. Since you're familiar with the Orion family, it will make things easier for me."Well, you got the right information. The Orion family is th
The guide said, "This is where the selected contestants rest. The yard is huge and has everything you need. As long as you don't leave this yard, you're free to move around. I'll bring you to your room now."The yard looked huge, with fixtures of bridges and flowing rivers. Felix even passed by a fake mountain. It was large enough for hundreds of people to climb, standing thousands of feet tall and looked quite majestically.No one on Earth or Aquamarinus could have built such a luxurious residence. Felix could even see a bar and massage parlor, showing how indispensable technology was in the universe. His room was luxurious, around 2000 square feet, and was decorated with traditional but modern touches. "This is your room. I'll take my leave now, goodbye." The young man left with a bow. Felix turned around and stood on the patio. Outside his room was a large lake, with even fish swimming inside."A new neighbor? Did you just arrive today?" The sudden voice came from the patio
Felix arrived at the location of one of Nine Flames, where the guards instantly collapsed, their eyes rolling back as they fainted.By now, darkness had arrived. He walked forward without any hesitation, his right hand touching the flame.There was no need for any special tools. The flame simply vanished, and only Felix knew that it was absorbed in an instant by his Starmark.With the disappearance of the flames, people in many places immediately dropped to their knees.The light that should have lasted throughout the night vanished, and the darkness of Desolated Lands descended almost instantly. Every light went out in an instant.Screams echoed everywhere, and panic spread like wildfire. Even though their loved ones were close by, they couldn't see them with their eyes and could only communicate through voice.Scenes like this were unfolding in many places, even in Cloud City."It's really started," Eira said. She was in Cloud City. Although Luigi was standing on her left, h
Despite Thiago's murderous glare and overwhelming killing intent, Felix wasn't scared. In fact, it made him smile.Due to the unique trait of the Dragon Rebirth, his opponent had to harbor a true desire to kill him in order for Felix to grow stronger. Otherwise, it would all be meaningless. At least so far, everything was unfolding just as he expected.Meanwhile, Holt was silently praying like crazy as he lay on the ground. The battle had already begun, and his companion had understood his message. This was their only shot, however slim, at killing Felix.As time passed and the afternoon crept past 3:00 pm, his companion started to falter. His attacks were growing sluggish. He hadn't been injured, but he was clearly on the defensive now.Seeing this, Felix completely lost interest. Once his opponent lost the will to kill him, the Dragon Rebirth would no longer grow.Still, the battle wasn't for nothing. He'd made solid progress and was a little closer to becoming a Celestial Realm
Felix had clearly found Holt's weak spot. These guys were so desperate to extend their lives that they turned the entire Aquamarinus into a breeding ground. Obviously, they were terrified of death. As long as there was even the slightest chance of survival, they'd take it.And sure enough, Holt immediately agreed. He pulled out some kind of device and flew off, clearly contacting his comrades."But even if I agreed," Holt said, "the three of us split up and searched in different directions. Even if they rush over, they won't make it until tomorrow."The fear in his eyes was obvious, so much so that Felix couldn't help but laugh."How interesting," Felix said. "You made a deal with the Ant Queen, right? Couldn't she at least give you something to help you move freely through Desolated Lands at night?"Holt shot him a bitter smile. "The Ant Queen's children—the soldier ants—are born hunters. That instinct can't be erased. And honestly, we've never needed to go out at night anyway."
Lumen flew out and quickly returned. Felix's expression eased completely, and with a step, he vanished from where he stood."Chasing me was fun last time, huh? Did you think it'd go the same this time?" he asked.When he reappeared, someone was already lying on the ground about ten yards ahead. It was a figure fully shrouded in a gray robe, a man named Holt Bovington.That was Felix holding back. Otherwise, Lumen's previous strike could've shattered Holt's soul on the spot."Felix Zeller? It really is you!" Holt's voice was full of shock. Whatever he'd planned to do was already too late. His soul had taken a devastating blow, and he no longer had the strength to fight."Yeah, it's me. Just like I suspected, you people really aren't all that strong when it comes to soul power."Felix had spared his life because he wanted answers."If you answer a few questions honestly, I'll let you live. Even with your soul badly damaged, I assume someone who knows about Nine Flames and Desolate
Three months later, deep within a mountain on Aquamarinus, a meeting was taking place. Who would've imagined palace-like structures hidden within the mountain itself?In one of the chambers, a sky-blue dome adorned the ceiling. Beneath it, three figures in gray robes sat cross-legged, their bodies cloaked in shadow. Their faces were completely obscured."I went to see the Ant Queen yesterday. There's definitely something wrong.""Enough with the vague talk. Be specific.""In just three months, the Ant Queen has lost millions of her children. Do you even understand what that means?"The atmosphere shifted as all three took a sharp breath. A long silence followed before one finally spoke, "Perhaps our earlier theory is right. Is someone hunting soldier ants in Desolated Lands at night?""It has to be. How else do you explain millions of casualties? At this rate, we're down to just a million soldier ants across the entire planet. If this keeps up, they'll be wiped out in a month. An