The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

The fact that Aiden knew Felix's true identity was not surprising. Though he had been too young to remember Cordelia's face and status when Victor was alive, Meredith had known everything.

Expecting panic from Felix, Aiden instead heard a calm telepathic response.

"Really? Then, go tell the royal family. I'm right here in Imperial City. Let them come for me."

Watching Felix enter the restaurant, Aiden clenched his fists before leaving.

"Did he think I'd be afraid?" Felix was not concerned. If Aiden meant to talk, he would have done so long before this encounter.

It was obvious that Kevin had taken the Dragonspine from the Skeletal Demon for Aiden's sake. After all, Aiden had been searching for it in the capital. He must have missed Felix during that time when Felix was not around.

Now, Aiden surely knew Felix had several Dragonspine pieces. He wouldn't tell the royal family about him. Because if Felix died, the Dragonspine would be lost forever.

After eating, Felix entered the palace at the heart of Imperial City and met the King. He was an imposing middle-aged man.

After some perfunctory rewards and small talk, Felix left. He could sense the King's poorly hidden impatience, not even bothering to fully maintain the facade.

Leaving Imperial City, Felix had fully recovered from his injuries after several days of rest. He had returned to his peak condition.

Their group's movements were being monitored. Because of that, Zayn and Ean gathered again.

"Ean, you predicted perfectly. Shepherd took the bait and agreed to help secretly."noveldrama

Ean smirked. "These paupers would take years to earn what we offered. It was expected."

Nodding, Zayn poured Ean some coffee. "Since we're in a rush, I only found one more master of Transcendent Realm. But with the previous three and Shepherd's betrayal, this shouldn't fail

If Shepherd suddenly attacked, he could seriously wound either Ezra or Andre, then easily hold off the other. Then, four masters would go after Felix. Failure would then be impossible.

...

Meanwhile, the four in the car discussed their plans.

"Felix, when should I make my move?" Shepherd asked.

Hearing his question, Felix replied, "Half a day more. They won't suspect

anything. They'll think we want to get as far from Imperial City as possible."

They left through a different city gate. After half a day, they would be near Corpse Town, one of the Three Forbidden Lands. It would give Felix better odds.

"Don't be careless though, Felix. As planned, signal us with a whistle if there's danger. We'll come as fast as we can."

They had considered everything. The three masters who escaped would surely join this attack. Though rushed, they might have found one

or two more allies, making this much harder than before.

"Got it."

After nearly three hours of driving, Deborah couldn't hold back her tears as she hugged Felix. "I'm sorry, Felix. I've failed as your mentor, leaving you to face everything alone."

Felix quickly consoled her, "Don't say that, Madam Goddard. You've taught me so much. How else could my alchemy reach this level? No one can control everything."

His maturity only made Deborah more emotional.

Then, Ezra intervened, "Control your emotions for now. If someone's watching,

you need to act normal. Don't give anything away."