Zion explained, "I was one of them. Another was a man with the last name Summers, and of course, there was Dr. Hoffman. As for the fourth... I never figured out who he was. In the end, none of us succeeded, and maybe that had something to do with that unknown man."After Zion left, Felix sat there with a strange expression. He wondered just how captivating Sarah had been back then to attract so many men at once.Moreover, there was no doubt that the Summers man was Xena's grandfather, Curtis. The tangled web of emotions behind this old love story was likely more complicated than it seemed. Or perhaps Zion just did not want to talk about it. Either way, he had given Felix a direction to follow—if he wanted to unravel the mystery of the Ancient Sage, he had to find Sarah.…The plane took off, and Felix closed his eyes to rest. The first-class cabin was relatively empty, with only four passengers, including an interesting pair—a grandfather and granddaughter—playing handheld video
After giving her grandfather the Rapid Heart Relief Tablets, the woman finally breathed a sigh of relief. She glanced at Felix and gave him a small nod. While she likely did not trust his mysterious pill, she seemed to appreciate his willingness to help. It was clear she had a good head on her shoulders. Felix responded with a slight nod, then closed his eyes again, pretending to rest.Ten minutes later, the bespectacled doctor spoke up, his voice heavy with concern. "It's not working. It's been ten minutes, and your grandfather's condition hasn't improved. We need to get him to a hospital immediately, or it'll be too late."Anyone with medical training knew that if heart-relief pills did not ease acute heart attack symptoms within ten minutes, emergency medical care was the only option.However, the flight attendant had already announced earlier that they were still 20 minutes away from landing at Yartford Airport. In other words, there were no other options.The old man's breat
Felix did not bother responding to the psychologist's absurd accusation. If that man had any idea how valuable that pill was—something wealthy elites would fight tooth and nail for at an auction—he would know Felix had no reason to stoop to such cheap tricks.The psychologist's argument might have sounded convincing, but with her grandfather's life hanging by a thread, Eunice ultimately made her decision. She took a deep breath, then placed the pill into her grandfather's mouth.The effect was almost immediate. Within minutes, the old man's agonized expression softened until he looked like he was peacefully asleep."Doctor, what's happening? What does this mean?" Eunice asked, voice trembling.The doctor leaned in to listen to the man's heartbeat, then checked his pulse and breathing. His eyes widened in disbelief as he blurted out, "This... this is incredible. His symptoms have completely disappeared."He turned to look at Felix, shock written all over his face as he wondered wha
"Tomorrow, after lunch, you should catch a flight back. I need to head to Notura City," Felix said casually. He had asked Nerissa to come visit not just to spend time together but also to introduce her to some old friends and figure out the logistics for a belated wedding reception. Jack, in particular, was bound to make a scene about it.Sure enough, during lunch the next day, Jack slammed his hand on the table. He shouted, "What the hell, man! You got married and didn't even tell me?"Vanessa, sitting beside him, immediately pinched the soft flesh on his arm, making him wince. She scolded him, "Watch your mouth. Nerissa's sitting right here."Jack rubbed his arm and quickly apologized. "Sorry, Nerissa. I'm just pissed at this guy."Nerissa laughed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. These days, very few people dared to talk to Felix like that. Jack's boldness made it clear he and Felix were more like brothers than friends.She replied, "It's fine. I can't boss him around anywa
Felix locked eyes with the man across the street. After a few silent seconds, the stranger turned around and began walking away, his steps slow and deliberate. Felix then followed the man without a word—there was no need for conversation. Both men knew exactly what this encounter was about. They passed through two intersections before the man turned into a narrow alleyway. By the time Felix stepped in, the stranger was already waiting for him. "Do we know each other?" Felix asked.The man cracked his neck, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ashton Willis. I came here specifically to find you because... well, there's some information I can't seem to uncover. I need your help."Ashton Willis? The name did not ring a bell for Felix. He asked, "What makes you think I'd help you?"Ashton's grin widened. "Simple. Because you're not my equal, and you're not untouchable just because you've reached Grandmaster. There are forces in this world
Ashton extended his right hand, and a strange cube materialized in his palm. The object's surface was made up of interlocking squares that shifted and rearranged themselves like a Rubik's Cube in motion.Felix could not quite tell if it was a pseudo-magical artifact or a magical treasure. He had never seen a genuine magical treasure before—except for that old photograph of the Ancient Sage that his mother claimed was one. Yet, that picture had never emitted any sort of energy, leaving Felix unsure of what the real thing might feel like.Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice cut through the tension. "That cube is a true magical treasure. If he activates it, your life will be in danger."Felix's eyes widened. He spun around, heart racing as he exclaimed, "Madam Spring?"Sarah was not one of the people he expected to encounter tonight. Ashton sighed. "Are you here to protect him?"Felix was just as shocked when Ashton responded, apparently knowing her too. Ashton immediately retracted the
Curiosity was a natural instinct, and Felix was no exception—especially when it came to the Ancient Sage, who had lived for so many years and bore such a striking resemblance to Gerald. Sarah said, "I can tell you with absolute certainty—the Ancient Sage is not Gerald.""What?" Felix had braced himself for any revelation, but this still hit like a punch to the gut. The shock flooded through him, leaving him speechless as he stood frozen on the spot.Sarah continued, "Forget it. Maybe I was overthinking before. You've made it to Martial City and become a Grandmaster all on your own, completing that impossible task. I guess your mental resilience is stronger than I thought, so knowing this early might not be a bad thing after all."She tapped her fingers lightly against her back, her gaze distant with memories."That guy who came after you just now—Ashton—is one of the Ancient Sage's Eight Guardians. Those eight have served him for years, practically his right and left hands.""A
Just as Sarah had observed, Felix had already adjusted his mindset. Thinking about things within his grasp was fine, but obsessing over matters beyond his control would be nothing short of foolish.As night fell, Felix arrived in Notura City. With the rising number of disappearances and deaths here, he figured it would not be solved in just a day or two. This time, he would need a bit of luck.Opening a clinic would work. After all, spending all day in one place would make it impossible to stumble upon anything.Since his Ethereal Constitution had been successfully formed, he did not need to train deliberately, and the Phaeron Codex was progressing steadily on its own. So, with plenty of free time, Felix decided to find a more flexible job. Wandering the streets or aimlessly driving around would not get him far.Before long, Felix arrived at the three-story villa Xena had arranged in a quiet neighborhood. After punching in the code and stepping inside, he called out."Finally! I c
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
"I didn't expect you to be a doctor, too. Thanks," Myles said, but then suddenly froze. His mind started racing.Wait a minute! He took down a tiger of True Blood Realm. On top of that, he was extremely skilled in medicine. That could only mean…"You figured out who I am?" Felix asked with a smile, trying to put Myles at ease. Despite that, Myles couldn't hide his fear. "You're Felix Zeller?""That's right. Judging by your reaction, I take it I've become a traitor to The Recovery Association? Or maybe some kind of unforgivable villain?"The air grew a bit awkward, and Myles shot him a strained smile."Not exactly… It's just that you took down the Flame Monarch. That's kind of hard to wrap my head around."His expression shifted again."Actually, everyone's still pretty confused. When we woke up this morning, every city, town, and even the smallest villages received a message. Five days from now, the Flame Monarch is holding a Flame Ceremony."Felix paused, frowning. "What's t
With Lumen and Indigo attacking and the Infinite Shield defending, Felix held his ground. Occasionally, he cast minor spells that barely consumed any soul power. Even as the monsters surged toward him like a tidal wave, not one of them could so much as scratch him.Feeling the steady stream of energy flooding into him, Felix grinned. If things kept going like this, there was a high chance he'd break through to the next major soul realm—Soul Overlord Realm.If he could level up again during the elimination rounds, his odds of winning the whole thing would increase significantly. Especially since Soul Overlord Realm required soul enhancement, it was a whole different league compared to Aetherium Realm.Once he hit Soul Overlord Realm, he was confident he'd be able to go toe-to-toe in a soul battle with the powerful figure who had chased him during dusk.That guy didn't dare appear in Desolated Lands at night, which likely meant his soul wasn't strong. In that case, Felix might actual
The sun had already begun to set. After fleeing in a panic, Felix had no idea if there was even a single place ahead that could shield him from the coming darkness.A few minutes later, the presence chasing him within his domain disappeared. Logically, the pursuer should've caught up in less than ten minutes, but they gave up. Still, Felix didn't relax for a second. The darkness was about to fall, and that could only mean two things. Either the pursuer wasn't confident they could survive the desolate night themselves, or they assumed there was no flame nearby and Felix was as good as dead.Either way, this was the most dangerous moment yet.After sprinting several more miles, Felix finally stopped. All around him stretched a barren wasteland with no end in sight. Even though he had memorized maps to identify different areas, they were useless now. As darkness swallowed the land, all reference points vanished."Damn it! I guess I'll have to see for myself what the hell comes out i