Felix took out a memorial coin and lit it on fire before playing the harmonica again.As the memorial coin began to burn, Helena's expression twisted in pain. "Impossible!"Her body shook uncontrollably. "Stop! Felix, you love me, right? Please, stop! I'm begging you."But there was no way Felix would stop. It was clear that Helena was far more formidable than the man from Seapoint.Finally, as the memorial coin burned to ashes, Helena fell to the ground unconscious. Felix swiftly loaded Helena into the car. After nodding to Wayne and Reagan, he drove off in the opposite direction.The car was headed toward a coastal area that would take about four hours to reach. Luna had arranged a smuggler's boat there, and everything was prepared.When Helena woke up, the first thing she saw was Felix sitting a short distance away, and she felt the unmistakable rocking motion of a boat on the sea. "Where are we?""On a ship bound for Dragonia," Felix replied cautiously.Helena smiled bitter
Felix smirked. "After all that talk, it's all just a ploy to escape. You think I'll fall for it?"Admittedly, Helena was beautiful. A lesser man might have found her hard to resist. "You've been by my side all along yet were unaffected by my abilities. All of it was an act. Don't you want a beautiful woman like me?" Helena smiled.Felix stood up and prepared to leave. "Rest up. Don't try anything reckless, or you'll be the one to suffer."The next moment, Helena suddenly tore off her dress, revealing her seductive form. But Felix turned away and missed the sight."My mission is almost complete," she murmured.As Felix walked, he felt his body waver. He pulled out the harmonica and started playing while lighting another piece of memorial coin.Helena immediately showed signs of agony. But moments later, Felix felt his strength draining. His vision blurred, and he no longer had the energy to continue playing the harmonica."Stop resisting. This is your destiny, as well as mine.
As the Phoenix Warlord, Xena was well aware of the terrifying reputation of the Westerio Order abroad, which only made Felix's accomplishment even more impressive.The success of this mission would earn her a medal from headquarters, a rare honor for someone newly appointed as the Phoenix Warlord. It would also be a first in the organization's history.And all of this was because of Felix.…Meanwhile, in the cabin, Felix gazed at Helena with a complicated look. "You don't have to meet such a fate. While I can't avoid turning you in, I could stop you from meeting Tony."Helena smiled and kissed Felix on the cheek. "There's no need. This is my destiny. It cannot be changed."Though he couldn't claim to have fallen for her, Felix couldn't deny a stirring of emotion."I can change it. I'll report that you shouldn't meet him," Felix insisted.Helena shook her head. "Absolutely not. If you stop us from meeting, then there will come a time when death is a luxury to me. Do you really
Upon seeing Billy's astonished expression, Felix was stunned. He hadn't expected Billy to notice something unusual.Ever since getting to know Billy, Felix had come to trust him despite his air of mystery. With all the skills Billy possessed, if he wanted to harm Felix, he could have done so long ago. There was no need to wait.After some pondering, Felix decided to let Billy take a look while framing it as a joke. If Billy noticed something, they could discuss it. If not, it would just be a fleeting joke."What's wrong? Is there something different about my soul?" Felix pressed.Billy widened his eyes and rubbed his chin. "What the heck did you get into this time? I don't know exactly what's in your soul, but as far as souls go, it's..."After a long pause, Billy still hadn't said another word. Felix grew impatient. "Well? Is it good or bad?""Good! It's a blessing! Whatever this thing is, it nourishes the soul, enhances the power, and has countless benefits." Billy rubbed his
Felix chuckled. "You're a grown man, yet you're still hung up on things like this! Not just anyone can be my follower. Sure, some might see you as cowardly or disloyal, but I've always believed people can change. So stop worrying about how others see you, and even more so about how I do."Felix tossed a pill over. "This is a new formula I developed. It's designed to boost the strength of those who mastered Blood Realm. Give it a try.""What?" Selmer quickly caught the pill. It turned out Felix hadn't forgotten about him after all. "Thank you, Mr. Zeller! Thank you!"In truth, Felix had created this pill a while ago. However, he wasn't sure of its effects or whether it might even be harmful. So he hadn't dared to let Selmer use it. However, after the success of the Windseeker Pill during his mission in Guneria, Felix was confident that the medical text's descriptions were accurate.Even the most basic pills from the text could enhance the strength of warriors who were already consid
Felix was taken aback by the question. "Decide what?"Nala was nervous and didn't know how Felix would respond. While terrified of hearing the answer, she couldn't help but hope for clarity.Xena also felt conflicted. For the first time, she felt uncertain and doubted her charm, which was rare for her. It was a moment of vulnerability, a decision every woman dreads."You can choose to stay here at the clinic or come with me. I have something important to discuss with you," Xena said, surprising herself with how much her tone had shifted.She intended to confront Felix, but her tone softened, catching her off guard. Why was she suddenly uncertain about her feelings for a man who had fought hard to win her back?"I'll come with you," Felix replied without hesitation.If Xena was asking, it was likely related to a mission, so Felix didn't dwell on what Nala might think. He followed Xena without a second thought.Once they had left, Melissa asked, "Nala, why are you smiling?"Nala
Felix nodded—that was precisely what he was thinking."It's because headquarters got approval to offer the ultimate prize to the champion," Xena said mysteriously.She leaned forward and whispered, "It's Lone Paragon."Xena thought Felix would react wildly. But to her shock, he seemed unimpressed. "Have you never heard of Lone Paragon?""Should I have?" Felix asked flatly.Xena sighed. "Fine. I only learned about it myself after this tournament was finalized. Lone Paragon is an ancient secret technique passed down through the ages. It's been safeguarded by the country for centuries and has never leaked out."An ancient technique that was valued by the country? It had to be extraordinary, then."If it's truly that remarkable, wouldn't the champion become a target for everyone? I doubt this tournament allows contestants to use fake identities or disguise themselves, right?" Felix asked.It was an important question. If he became the focus of countless ambitious warriors, his life
A moment ago, Felix's mind was preoccupied with Helena, so he hadn't asked Xena any questions. But since Gerald called, he wouldn't let this opportunity slip by, especially not with someone as close to him as he was.Gerald began, "Lone Paragon! Do you realize how precious it must be for the country to safeguard it for so many years without letting anyone learn it? There's even a rumor that it's not from Earth. That might be an exaggeration, but it still speaks to its mystique."He continued, "To get to the point, what makes Lone Paragon so irresistible to martial artists is its power. Once mastered, it allows you to triple your combat strength for one whole hour with zero side effects. And you can use it again after 24 hours.""What?" Felix shot to his feet. It was almost too good to be true.A chance to triple one's combat strength! Anyone who obtained the ability would become invincible among their peers, and defeating stronger opponents would be effortless. The fact that it las
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