The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

"Felix is right. We should head to Imperial City."

Deborah felt helpless. All she could do now was worry about Felix. Even with several masters of Transcendence Realm backing them, challenging the royal family would be futile.

As they continued their journey, Felix asked, "Madam Goddard, have you or Mr. Earnhart Senior ever met the royal alchemists?"

The question made Deborah frown as she answered, "Yes. We've met them and know who they are, but their pill-forming rate remains a mystery."

Her body tensed when she finished speaking.

"Are you saying the royal family attacked because they feared your presence would affect Martial City's Ascension Pill production?"

When Felix nodded, Deborah, Ezra, and the others immediately grasped the implications.

"That explains how the royal family maintained so many masters of

Transcendence Realm over the years. They must have eliminated any alchemist

they thought could produce advanced pills at a higher rate."

Everyone understood without needing further explanation.

"Doesn't that mean Felix's troubles are just the beginning?"

Andre's face darkened. In Martial City, one might survive making any enemy except the royal family. That was as dangerous as entering the Three Forbidden Lands.

Seeing their concern, Felix smiled. "Don't worry too much, Madam Goddard. Once I reach the late stage of Transcendence Realm, they'll find it much harder to kill me."

Despite his reassurance, worry lined Deborah's face. "Felix, I'll never doubt your talent in martial arts or alchemy. But you know too little about the royal family. You don't understand how terrifying they can be when pushed! When that day comes, no rules will protect you." noveldrama

Ezra sighed. "True. They made the rules. They have endless ways to justify breaking them."

Even Shepherd grew serious. "Plus, there are big gaps between masters of Transcendence Realm. Though only the Empress can instantly kitt others at her level, some are

incredibly powerful. They camend

fights in seconds.

"The royal family can send such people, and hiding in the city won't save you."

Felix frowned. Cordelia had limited time and couldn't consider every angle. Though she gave him another token their relationship might be exposed if the next battle happened in the city.

It would only make everything more dangerous.

He fell quiet. The others racked their brains, feeling trapped with no way out. In

Martial City, it was undeniable that the royal family's word was law.

After several minutes, Felix suddenly thought of something and whispered to Deborah, "Madam Goddard, does Harmony Clinic have any prisoners on death row?"