The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

Someone had actually come to Aiden's rescue. Felix's expression darkened as he recalled how he had planned to defeat Aiden fairly in the Martial Arts Competition from the moment he learned of his participation.

Everything had gone according to plan until this unexpected intervention. Even with the Protector present, no one should have been able to interfere.

No matter who Aiden's mentor was, pulling something like this off should have been impossible. Yet, it happened anyway.

With Felix's sharp mind, he immediately suspected there was more to this situation than met the eye. However, no one would dare question the Protector, especially since no one else had been hurt in the process.

"I hereby declare Felix Zeller the champion of this Martial Arts Competition," the Protector announced. The scattered applause that followed reflected how the sudden appearance of the powerful fighter had affected everyone's mood. Felix shook his head and descended from the arena, deciding that dwelling on Aiden's escape would only cause unnecessary stress-he could always finish this another time. He wondered if the Lone Paragon technique would live up to his expectations. Following the staff's directions, Felix returned to the rest area at Arena One. It was completely empty, leaving him alone to wait.

"Congratulations, young man," a voice suddenly sounded.

Felix had not sensed the person's approach at all, and he immediately realized who it was. He greeted respectfully, "Protector, sir."

The newcomer, who had gray hair and wore a formal suit, radiated vitality despite his apparent age and spoke with a strong, clear voice that betrayed no weakness.

"This is the Lone Paragon," the Protector said, holding out an object. "Simply place it on your forehead to begin your training."

Felix examined the item curiously. It was palm-sized and irregularly shaped, with a greenish hue. It resembled an emerald piece, but something about it felt different.

"This is called an emerald slip, an ancient artifact used to record rare and powerful techniques. These are incredibly rare, and each one carries unique secrets.

"Once someone begins practicing the technique within, the emerald slip dissolves into light and disappears, its destination unknown."

Following the Protector's instructions, Felix placed the emerald slip against his forehead. Instantly, knowledge flooded his mind in an extraordinary way.

When he regained awareness, the slip had indeed transformed into a streak of light and disappeared so quickly that even his keen eyes could barely track it.

"Thank you, Protector," Felix said gratefully.

The Protector smiled and did not leave immediately. He asked, "I assume you're wondering why I allowed Aiden's rescue?"

Felix felt awkward. "Not at all, sir. Not even slightly." After all, he was no one to question the Protector's decision.

The Protector chuckled. "You're a

terrible liar. You remind me of Geraldt's uncanny how much you've picked up his habits, even if you were nothing alike before."

Felix's interest was piqued. "You know Mr. Hoffman?"

"Of course I do," the Protector replied with a grin. "There are only a handful of old-timers left in Dragonia. We att know each other. That includes Aiden's mentor, Kevin Beasley. owed him a favor from my younger days, and tonight was my way of repaying it."

Felix nodded in understanding this explained how someone dared to interfere with the Competition while the Protector was present.

"The future belongs to young ones like yourself," the Protector commented as he prepared to leave. "We'll all step aside eventually."

Felix knew this explanation was only given out of respect for Gerald and did not expect anything more.noveldrama