One of the old men smiled and brought out a half-palm-sized wooden card. He handed it to Felix. "This is our association's identification card. It's custom-made. You see this small hole? There's a bug inside of it."Felix inspected it carefully and found a small hole. He wasn't sure what the bug did, however."When you're in danger, or when someone forces a body check, just break the card, and it'll turn to dust. At the same time, your closest ally will sense it, and the bug will come out of its hole. It'll find your ally and guide them to you."How magical! Felix was quite impressed. There were no phones here, but they had found ways to send information. "We have some queen bugs on our hands. The queen bugs can sense all of the bugs, and when there's a mission, we'll reach out to you. You can live your own life for now."How amazing! A lot of thought had clearly been put into this."There's also one more situation when the bug might come out. When an ally is within 30 feet, it'
Felix looked at their expressions that were devoid of shame. He'd figured, long ago, that these people might not abide by the three-month-long agreement. As expected, their real intentions began to bleed out by the beginning of the second month. "What if I refuse to do as you say, then? Kathlynn will have to die alongside Innswood Village and me!"Wagner remained unruffled. "Really? Let's go. I'll show you what will happen if you refuse."They returned to the city, only to learn that Felix had told them the truth, proved by how the other doctors were helpless against the venom flowing in Kathlynn's veins. They'd also ascertained the effectiveness of that medicinal powder, which they were unfortunately incapable of making. If the powder hadn't been applied on Kathlynn's body, the venom would have begun to spread through her body eventually.Wagner had never been subjected to such humiliation, though. When it was time to collect the medicine this month, he took on the task. He'd
Wagner and his accomplices were terrified, tremors coursing through their bodies. "No, no, please! I didn't know it was you, Mr. Longstone! Give me one more chance, please!"As one of the most powerful men in the city, Gras was someone who would put his money where his mouth was. He could kill them all, and their families wouldn't even dare to utter a single word."I know your father, so I'll give you a chance," Gras said.Only then did Wagner start recovering from his shock, breathing a sigh of relief. He wondered why Gras would come to such a small village, though.Meanwhile, Gras turned to Felix. "You're Dr. Zeller from Innswood Village, aren't you?""Yes, it's me," Felix replied politely. Gras smiled. "I've looked at Kathlynn's injuries, and I could see that you're as skilled as they say. It so happens that I need an experienced doctor in my residence. Would you be willing to work there?"Wagner was speechless. Now he knew why Gras would make the journey here—he had set his
Felix had told Gras what to say in advance. Only with that would Wagner and his accomplices give up on harming Innswood Village. They'd also pray for the village not to be targeted by thieves and the like, for fear they would be implicated. It was as he'd expected—Wagner and his men were terrified. This method of associating them with everything was far from reasonable, but when subjected to serious pressure, they had no choice but to comply and make repeated promises. When Innswood Village was quiet and peaceful once again, the villagers thanked Felix while also saying their goodbyes. They'd always known that Felix wouldn't stay here for long, but they didn't expect him to leave so soon.Lincoln, particularly, was crushed. He sat in the clinic silently, a sight Felix found hard to bear."Here," Felix said, handing two books to Lincoln, who took them cautiously."What are these books, Felix?" "Medical books I wrote myself," Felix explained. "If you practice and train following
Even if Felix was eliminated, he could still go back and train hard with his family. If he ended up dead, though, he would lose everything. Five days passed in a flash, and Gras' men had arrived—four martial artists in a carriage. All the villagers, who couldn't bear to say goodbye to Felix, had come to send him off. Not only did Felix not ask for a single cent, but he'd also taught Lincoln medicine. Although Lincoln was still a beginner, he was sure to become more skilled in the future. Having him here would be better than having no doctor, like now. "Mr. Campbell! Take care!" Felix nodded at Leandre once before giving Lincoln a meaningful look.He smiled at Lincoln, who was waving fervently with tears streaming down his face. It was fate that he'd met Lincoln in this unfamiliar village. The martial artists had stayed the night in the village before escorting Felix in the morning. This was the only way to avoid passing by tDesolated Lands at night. The carriage sped up
Gras instantly wore an expression of concern and began asking Ginny countless questions. Beneath his powerful countenance, he was a man who doted on his daughter."What's wrong, my dear? Does it hurt anywhere?" he asked. "Don't worry. Dr. Zeller is a phenomenal doctor who can treat any illness. I wouldn't have gone so far just to invite him over."His words made Felix have a change of opinion. It seemed that the elders at The Recovery Association hadn't given anyone the permission to approach Felix—they knew as well that keeping a low profile would benefit them more.Obviously, Gras was truly searching for a skilled doctor and had come to Felix, who was recommended by someone reliable. This was better in Felix's opinion. He'd feel awkward if he were to be the Longstones' guest, and he'd rather work for them as a skilled doctor. "I'll have to trouble you with checking her over, Dr. Zeller. I'm sorry for putting you to work immediately after a long journey.""It's fine," Felix re
Just as Ginny was about to say something, Felix continued, "However, I have detected symptoms of an underlying chronic ailment. She's fine now, but her symptoms will culminate after ten years if persistently ignored."A chronic ailment? Ginny frowned at Felix's serious expression. "Huh? A chronic illness? H-How can it be treated, Dr. Zeller?" Gras asked anxiously. Why would Ginny be afflicted with a chronic illness when she'd never fallen sick throughout the years?Only then did Ginny come back to her senses, more furious than before because this hack of a doctor had almost hoodwinked her. "Nonsense!" she snapped. "I've been practicing the martial arts since I was a kid, and I've never even fallen sick from minor illnesses! I'd never have a chronic illness!"Father," she continued. "This doctor is obviously as mediocre as those scammers from before. He's just here to cheat money out of us. Tell him to leave!"Felix frowned at the accusations. So this was why Ginny was so hostile
"There's a tiny speck inside your core filled with rimefrost energy. As time passes, this speck will gradually enlarge, reaching a size that will impact your core ten years later," Felix explained. "You may not be in fatal danger when that time comes, but you will experience side effects if you are to fight against someone else. I think I won't need to describe them; you already know."Ginny's mouth was wide with shock. She didn't expect things to be so serious. Practicing the martial arts was what she enjoyed most in this life. If she were to lose the ability to fight as a martial artist one day, it wouldn't be any different from death. "Can this be treated, Dr. Zeller?" This was the first time Ginny spoke to him with respect. She'd come to acknowledge his skill as a doctor."If it can be spotted, of course it can be treated," Felix said. "Take the medicine I give you on time for at least three months while also massaging your core. Three months later, the speck of lingering rimef
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