The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

"Well, how could I not take a gamble after a pitch like that?" Shepherd said.

Soon after, Shepherd sent Felix a private message about finding the Skeletal Demon. He was so cautious that he would not even let Deborah hear it.

"Now you know. It's up to you whenever you want to tell Dickson about this."

"Thank you, Mr. Ghost."

Deborah did not think much of it. After spending over a month with Felix, she knew he was an upright person. If he said he wanted to repay Dickson's kindness, he meant it.

She would not mention anything to Dickson since this was Felix's decision.

In Martial City, every car leaving town carried two gas cans in the trunk. Fuel was only available within city limits, and running out on long trips would be disastrous.

Especially with gas-guzzlers like the Brabus. By the time they reached Westville the next day, they had already stopped twice to refuel.

Westville had its own Harmony Clinic branch, where they were staying. Felix made his request as soon as they arrived. "Madam Goddard, I'd like to explore the city alone."

"Sure."

Deborah was not worried about Felix's safety. First, they were in the city where no one dared cause obvious trouble. Second, Felix had reached the early Transcendent Realm, so anyone targeting him would need to think twice.

"Westville really is crowded."

The streets bustled with nearly half the people of North City, perhaps due to the Xavier family's Battle of the Bride.

After walking a short distance, Felix called Barry, who was in Westville. He was a good guy, and it would be nice to catch up.

Barry was thrilled to hear Felix was in town and told him to wait while he rushed over.

...

"Damn! It's you!"

While waiting, Colin appeared with several men instead of Barry. After confirming Felix's identity with a few glances, they immediately moved to attack.

"Do we know each other?"

Colin's face darkened. Though he had escaped punishment for the cheating incident, Johnny's

expulsion from Harmony Clinic had caused their family's decline. In just one month, their status had plummeted.

In his view, Felix was to blame for everything. If he had emerged even slightly

later that day, Josie's cheating would never have been discovered.

"Felix, how dare you stroll around Westville after ruining Josie's life?"

Felix smiled. "Does the Brennan family rule Westville? Or do you not even respect

the royal family? Must I report to you regardless of who I am?"

These words startled Colin. Such talk was dangerous if spread.

"Shut your mouth! Felix, don't think being an intermediate-grade alchemist at Harmony Clinic makes you untouchable. Remember. This is Westville. You'll be begging for mercy soon enough.

"Let's go!"

As he turned, Colin's shoulder bumped someone. Already angry, he immediately cursed, "Damn it! Who dares bump-"

The other person's response was more dramatic. She threw a punch at Colin's stomach, which sent him flying through the air before he crashed heavily to the ground.

"You're the one who struck first."

After casually saying this, the attacker turned to Felix with a sweet smile. "What'snoveldrama

your name? I want to make sure I haven't mistaken you for someone else."