The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

Felix rolled his eyes at the notion of becoming the strongest in Martial City. He was not even bothered to respond to such an outlandish idea.

"Don't underestimate yourself, Felix," Xena insisted. "Look how young you are and already at the Boneforging Realm that alone is remarkable. Don't you think it's possible with the Lone Paragon's power boost?"

Xena felt mixed emotions, knowing Felix had hidden his true strength from her. He had already reached the Boneforging Realm, which meant he must have been incredibly powerful before, yet she had no idea. "Whatever. I've accepted the mission, and I'll do my best, but I can't guarantee the outcome-no one can," Felix said.

Their conversation continued until sunset before Felix left. While headquarters had shared extensive information about Martial City, Felix realized he would only truly understand it once he got there himself. Watching Felix's retreating figure, Xena opened her mouth several times but could not bring herself to speak. She could not stop thinking about yesterday's Martial Arts Competition and Felix's victory, which stirred up feelings from their shared past-something she would never forget.

Xena had finally admitted to herself that she still loved Felix, but she was afraid to tell him. The fear of rejection held her back.

"I'll wait until he returns from Martial City," she mumbled.

Back in Gray City, Felix resumed his regular routine without mentioning his upcoming departure to anyone.

Interestingly, Aiden had not returned to the Greene family, seeming to have vanished completely. Word had it that the Greene family had spent a significant amount of money hiring several martial arts masters, though it was obvious who they were trying to defend against.

Two weeks passed, and Felix had successfully mastered the Lone Paragon. Sure enough, it successfully tripled his combat power. Its power was nothing short of extraordinary.

That day, just as he arrived home, Selmer called. He reported, "Mr. Zeller, the man you warned us about -the one targeting Ms. Emmerson-has appeared. We've trapped him at the clinic."

"I understand. I'm on my way. Don't harm him," Felix replied.

Shaun had shown up again. It was obvious that he could not give up his obsession with Melissa.

At the clinic, Melissa was confronting a middle-aged man. "You thought you could kidnap me again? Do I look like some reusable object to you?"

The man's eyes were filled with

terror. He never imagined that Melissa would have so many powerful people protecting her im such a short time. Just as he tried to make his move, Selmer, Louise, and Billy appeared out of nowhere.

When faced with such a lineup, escape was impossible, and resistance was futile.

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Felix had anticipated this ever since the Martial Arts Competition ended. Knowing the Greene family would be too preoccupied with their own. issues, he had arranged for Louise to stay in Gray City as additional protection.

The man begged, "Please let me go. Last time, even though I kidnapped you, I never laid a finger on you or truly hurt you, right?"

Melissa's face twisted with hatred. She snarled, "True, you didn't touch me, but you locked me in a cage like an animal and tried to auction me off! You don't think that counts as harm? Now, I'm going to kill you!"noveldrama