Joaquin was on the edge of madness. He wanted nothing more than to kill Felix right there, but he didn't dare risk the entire Goldstein family just to satisfy that rage. Disobeying a royal summons meant immediate execution—there was no bluffing around it.After taking a deep breath, Joaquin forced himself to put on a smile. "Dr. Zeller, then tell me—what exactly do you need in order to head to the Green King Manor?"Felix had seen this kind of groveling far too many times before. "Gras is right outside your estate. Go talk to him. The sooner you two reach an agreement, the sooner I'll leave for the manor.""What? Gras is here?" Only now did Joaquin realize just how thoroughly he had been played. Everything had been a setup from the beginning, and he had walked straight into the trap.Time ticked by, and eventually, Gras strolled into the courtyard. He said, "Dr. Zeller, the talk went well. How's the view treating you so far?" From the smile on Gras's face, it was clear he hadn't
The reason Edmond dared to question Felix at all was that he was holding onto that one sliver of arrogance—he assumed Felix had only cured Christopher by pure luck, just because it happened to fall under his area of expertise.Otherwise, would he have even dared speak up? Not a chance.Once the silk threads were tied and tension filled the air, Felix spoke calmly after only a short pause. "Her Grace has a mild seasonal chill. It's nothing serious. I'll prescribe her some herbal blends—she'll recover within five days. Or, if she prefers a quicker route, acupuncture will do the trick."The Green King blinked, clearly stunned by the response. "You mean you can heal her without medication?""That's right. No medicine necessary." At the same time, a soft, melodic voice floated from behind the curtain. Sydney Haye said, "My love, that sounds perfect. You know I hate taking medicine. Please, Dr. Zeller, come in and begin the treatment."...15 minutes later, Felix stepped back out in
Days went by, and Felix had nearly combed through the entire Cloud City. He spent most of his time at places like restaurants and coffee shops. Regrettably, he was still no closer to finding out the Flame Monarch's fighting prowess. He couldn't get any information about souls as well. Virtually no one had talked about it.Felix was also aware that Gras was setting him up with Ginny, but she had made it clear to him that she was just patronizing Gras. So, she merely asked him to go along with it a little.After all, her dreams had never changed. She still wanted to become a martial artist, and nothing would sway her from going down that path. Things had been so quiet at The Recovery Association that it made Felix wonder if he was actually one of them. Eira had never appeared ever since the last time he saw her. Just like that, two weeks came and went. But then, someone's return to Cloud City disrupted the peace and uneventful life that was meant to go on. That day, Felix was e
Three days came and went, and Felix felt a little helpless. "Do you guys have to do this?"Ever since Caesar returned, Ginny and Ryker had been on his heels. Ryker even guarded the door during nighttime, cutting off any chances of his escape. "My dad did this for your safety. Caesar is only allowed five days in Cloud City. Just bear with it for two more days, and he'll be gone by then."Felix felt helpless. He wasn't a fool. Why would he go beyond the city walls and give Caesar the perfect opportunity to kill him?A guard ran in from the yard. "Ms. Longstone, a beggar is at the entrance, asking to see Dr. Zeller. He said his name is Lincoln."A beggar? Ginny was wondering who the person was when Felix got up and said with a smile, "He is my friend. Bring him in here."From the looks of things, Lincoln was here in Cloud City. It wasn't an impossible feat either, but it was an incredibly troublesome one. Ordinary folks like them had to stay in town and travel for over half a day
A dozen villagers had been killed?Felix's face darkened. He made a careless mistake and underestimated just how far Caesar would go to avenge Justus. "Felix, the man said he'd slaughter everyone in Innswood Village if you didn't get back there!"Felix rubbed Lincoln's head and said in a comforting tone, "I'll return to the village first thing in the morning. Don't worry. I won't let anyone die."He was about to get up, but Lincoln didn't let him go. The latter lowered his head and said, "Actually, I know that the man deliberately let me out to tell you about what happened, Felix. "Eventually, I made my way here, but I did it for a selfish reason. The man is terrifyingly powerful, and I know you're not a match for him, but I truly have no other options left."Felix forced a faint smile. "You did the right thing. I'll handle it. After all, it is my responsibility to begin with."When he walked out of his room, Gras and the others were already waiting for him. "Dr. Zeller, this
Leandre?Felix chuckled bitterly. "Does he want me to stay away from the village as well?"Eira nodded. "That's right. Mr. Campbell has been through a lot of stuff in his life. Naturally, he could tell that Caesar didn't intend to let anyone survive. Your presence wouldn't make a difference. They're all dying."Felix had something different to say about this. "Their death is certain if I don't show up, but they will stand a chance to survive if I do."Eira sized him up solemnly. At that moment, it dawned on her that he was unexpectedly noble and heroic. People on Aquamarinus were constantly running schemes and setting each other up. Most of them cared only about themselves. Even so, someone as altruistic as Felix still existed. To drive the point home, he wasn't even doing this for his own family. "I've passed his message on. It's up to you what you want to do with it." Eira was about to leave, but something popped into her mind, and she added, "Does The Recovery Association se
Naturally, Felix saw Dave as well. He immediately stopped his horse. The fact was that he didn't overthink the situation. "Mr. Abbott." Dave's heart was also filled with emotions as he looked at Felix. After all, the latter also cured his family of a complicated condition. "Dr. Zeller, there's nothing I can do for you except to see you off." Be that as it may, Dave knew that Felix's chances of survival were slim at best. This would be the last time he saw him in person. The Green King was actually quite pissed off at Felix. He had made it clear about what was at stake here, and yet Felix still foolishly threw his life away for a bunch of villagers. It was stupidity—plain and simple. "I appreciate it, Mr. Abbott. I'll be taking my leave now," Felix said.Joaquin, who hid in the dark, let out a sigh of relief after Dave saw Felix off. At first, he thought the Green King was actually going to intervene in this matter.Eira was also standing nearby the city gates. If Felix ha
Felix's eyes were red, and his voice was hoarse. He didn't need his domain to tell him that no one in Innswood Village survived the massacre. Every last one of them was in the corpse pile in the decimated house, unjustly granted an undignified death. Caesar remained unaffected, and his eyes grew more frigid as the seconds passed by. "Obviously, it's because they were involved with you. Needless to say, they deserved to die. It's baffling how you actually feel sad for these pieces of trash." Caesar laughed throatily when he was done speaking. It was as if he loved the idea of provoking Felix. But at the next moment, his laughter stopped abruptly. Felix was gone. Caesar searched for Felix frantically, only to find that the latter appeared next to the corpse pile without him knowing. That was some frightening speed. Caesar's gaze froze. He finally understood that Felix wasn't just a doctor. No, the latter was also a martial artist. This explained why Felix had the courage
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