Jack was dumbfounded. He had been in fights before, and from the aura and speed of the middle-aged man, it was clear to Jack that the man was formidable. Yet, he was easily dealt with by Felix."I underestimated you." Frowning, Dora waved her right hand, sending the other two martial artists charging forward.Alas, the outcome didn't change as both of them collapsed after being hit by Felix.At this point, Dora was utterly shocked."Interesting. I didn't think that I would meet a martial artist like you over fondue."Even though her three pillars of strength were unconscious, Dora remained completely unflustered, which piqued Felix's curiosity."Can this matter be over now?"After all, this was a mess Sasha had created, and Felix didn't want to waste more time on it.Dora didn't answer his question. She merely gave him a long look before turning to leave.Now that the bar was finally empty, Jack piped up, "Dang! Felix, you're that strong?" Tilting his head, Felix answered,
"I didn't know about the restaurant before that night," Felix answered truthfully. He was curious if there was really more to this than met the eye."Heh! Now this is getting interesting. Everyone who knows me is aware that I go to that fondue restaurant at the same time every week. If someone wanted us to clash, that would have been the perfect time."Dora was above doing things this way, but Felix's unexpected strength, along with her calmness now, made her rethink things carefully.Felix also began to consider the situation. After hearing what Dora said and recalling Sasha's reaction at the time, he did think it was a bit suspicious.At that moment, the door opened, and an old man entered after entering the residence's passcode."If you can beat him or even end the match with a draw, then we'll call it even."After speaking, Dora backed away a bit. This action showed just how extraordinary the old man's strength must be, as she was clearly afraid of getting caught up in the fi
"I'm just a little surprised," Warren said.Nattie walked over in confusion, only to see Warren hand her the invitation in his hand.She took one look and gasped sharply. "This… Isn't this an invitation to Stellar Group's partnership banquet tomorrow night?"Sasha, who had just come downstairs, rushed over excitedly."No way! It's real. Dad, how did you manage to receive this? There are so many big companies in Avesburgh that don't even qualify for an invitation, yet you got one?"Nattie became even more overjoyed."That's not all. It's said that those who get an invitation will likely become one of Stellar Group's partners for the city within a city project. Doesn't this mean our family has a chance too?"While the mother and daughter were thrilled, Warren was unable to smile."I know how I got this invitation. I just didn't expect him to pull it off."Him? Nattie was somewhat confused. "Warren, do you know someone like that?""It's Felix."Warren had mixed feelings about t
"Please elaborate," Felix said. He believed that although he had only exuded his demeanor a bit last night, given the elder's strength, the elder must have been frightened. The grudge with Dora would naturally dissipate as well."Sure, but you need to treat me to a meal."A while of silence later, Dora still didn't want to elaborate further. So, before ending the call, Felix said, "It doesn't matter to me."Felix left and arrived at Xena's house around 10:00 am. He had contacted her previously."Let's go up."After opening the door, Xena remained expressionless. At least, she was someone who kept to her word. She didn't stop Felix from visiting Curtis. For some reason, she followed him upstairs.Felix began to check on Curtis. Then, he let out a sigh of relief. The Phantom Poison didn't continue to spread. If so, once he got the last few herbs, he could start saving Curtis. Besides that, he could make sure that the latter could live for a while longer.When Felix was about to le
James wasn't someone who stood out. In school, he kept a low profile. It was unexpected for him to become wealthy. As expected, no one could predict one's fate.Since they used to be classmates, the pretense of a class reunion was the most appropriate setting. If Jack had invited James alone, there would have been a high probability that he would have been rejected as they weren't close friends in school. There would be nothing he could do about it.As time passed, their high school classmates entered one by one. Of course, all they engaged in was small talk. The people who had successful lives would take the initiative to speak up and ask about other people's work as well as questions about status and wealth.At last, James arrived. He came together with a classmate, Harvey Johnson, who was known as Gray. His hair color was gray, which was why he acquired such a nickname. When Felix saw Harvey pulling the chair for James, he guessed that Harvey was like a minion to him."Felix, wh
Upon hearing James say that, everyone understood the situation. No wonder Harvey made things difficult for Felix the moment he entered the room. It turned out they were doing it on purpose. They didn't hide the fact that they were targeting Felix at all.Jack narrowed his eyes and stared at James. "Before making Felix leave, I want to know how he has offended you."Felix was silent because he knew what Jack's temperament was."Do you remember the most beautiful woman in our class back then? She was my crush, but Felix was her boyfriend for two years. I've been holding onto this grudge for a long time."When Felix heard that answer, his expression became strange, let alone the others. Was this considered a grudge? What a joke. Just because James couldn't get the woman he wanted as his girlfriend, he didn't allow anyone to date her either? As expected, Jack chuckled because he was furious."Just because of that? It has already been so many years."However, James remained serious. "
Felix didn't have a choice, so he sent Wendy a message and had her act as his girlfriend. What did that mean? She had always wanted to be his girlfriend, and now, her dream had come true. Even though it was just an act, she was satisfied with it."Wendy, come and take a seat."It was only then that everyone else returned to their senses. Wendy was very beautiful and had a great demeanor. Who would have thought that Felix's girlfriend was such an excellent woman?"Nice to meet everyone."Wendy greeted everyone before sitting beside Felix obediently. James had gone to the restroom, and Harvey was feeling unhappy about the situation's development. He couldn't believe that Felix was still showing off. He felt that Felix was going too far to support his lie.Besides, why would such a woman like Felix? It didn't matter, though. Something great would happen soon."Felix, your girlfriend is so beautiful. Is she an actress you hired temporarily?"Without sparing Harvey a glance, Felix sa
Jack was dumbfounded. He didn't expect Felix to have such a wealthy girlfriend. Since James was the one who said it, it was most likely the truth. Upon hearing what James said, Felix smiled."If you don't fulfill your promise, you'll pay a huge price one day."Since James had openly challenged Felix, he was no longer frightened. He snorted and said, "I'll wait for you to make me pay the price!"Once James left, the private room fell into complete silence. After all, no one could be themselves when they were dining with the daughter of the Kinsley family."Jack, I have something to do, so I'll be taking my leave now. You guys can continue."Felix knew that the atmosphere would continue, thus he got up and left with Wendy. "Alright. Go ahead," Jack said.Jack was sincerely happy for Felix to be able to have such a girlfriend. It seemed that he had misunderstood the latter. The Range Rover must belong to Felix. It didn't matter who paid for it anymore."Thank you."After exiting
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
When Eira and Luigi saw that Felix was determined to go through with it, they moved instantly. Appearing right in front of him, they dropped to their knees."Please, Felix! For the sake of all those innocent lives, stop.""If you're really set on taking this flame, then kill us first."Seeing the two of them so resolute, Felix hesitated. The lives of hundreds of thousands—maybe even millions—now hung in the balance, all dependent on one decision from him."I haven't known you for long," Eira continued. "But from the way you avenged the 200 people of Innswood Village, I know you're not someone who kills without reason. You'd never turn a blind eye to the lives of ordinary people. "Please show them mercy. They've already suffered enough."Tears streamed down her face. The purpose of The Recovery Association was clear—overthrow the Flame Monarch, destroy the Nine Flames, and return Aquamarinus to what it once was. However, when it came to principles and morals, they were unwaveri
Felix thought that Gerald's advice really was spot-on. If he hadn't achieved Extreme Mastery, he could still beat the Flame Monarch. However, his subsequent journey would have been difficult. Winning first place in the Rank-Ascending Competition to protect Earth would've been almost impossible.With a casual wave of Felix's hand, the Flame Monarch collapsed to the ground. Thankfully, no one was around to see it. Otherwise, they'd have been scared out of their minds.The most powerful being on Aquamarinus, the Flame Monarch, just got instantly wiped out by Felix. To Felix, it was like crushing an ant and required no effort at all."It's time to complete the mission," Felix said.Just like that, he vanished. His speed was insane because Nine Flames were all scattered far apart. Since travel was banned at night, he couldn't afford to waste even a second.Honestly, he was curious what it would be like to go out at night. However, after thinking it over, he decided it just wasn't worth
Under the sunlight, Innswood Village looked even lonelier. If it weren't for Felix standing in the open field, the place would've looked like a dead town. Soon, a sound broke through the silent air. A person stood 30 feet in front of Felix. It was the Flame Monarch, whom Felix had met once."I really thought you were a member of The Recovery Association and that you'd laid a trap here. But it turns out, you're really alone."Felix replied, "I am a member of The Recovery Association, but why do I need a trap to kill you?"Oh? A member of The Recovery Association? The Flame Monarch smiled. "You're really brave, you know. You're the first person in Aquamarinus who dares to face me like this. Even the leader of The Recovery Association had been in seclusion, trying to reach Heavenly Realm before facing me."I don't know where you get your confidence from."Initially, Felix wanted to attack immediately. But he still had questions to ask. "There are only the two of us here. Sinc