When Felix saw who entered, his expression became incredibly odd—it was almost like he wanted to laugh. So Paul's mysterious cousin turned out to be Cordon, who had worked for Bazzo. At that moment, Felix marveled at the strange workings of fate. He had spared Cordon's life because of the Malevolent Phantoms and because he needed someone to handle the aftermath. Now, it seemed he had made the right choice. Coincidences really could happen all the time. "Ah, Cordon, you're here." Steve greeted him with a smile, while Paul sighed with relief. Now that his cousin had arrived, he believed this matter would be resolved. He had been very clear on the phone earlier. Just as Cordon was about to respond, he spotted Felix and froze completely. "Let me introduce you. This is Mr. Zeller, whom I mentioned on the phone. Though he's young, his status is extremely high. You'd better think before you speak." After Paul finished, he finally noticed something was wrong with Cordon. "Are you
Paul was stunned to hear that Bazzo was dead. After all, Morius was there, and the thought of him dying was unbelievable. Paul was stunned when Cordon continued, "You said it yourself—he could even command Johann. So tell me, how do you say no to someone like that, someone we can't afford to mess with in any way? He's not like the previous buyers. Our tricks are like child's play compared to what he can do."After a long pause, Paul finally let out a deep sigh. "I get it." Cordon thought Paul had come to his senses and relaxed a bit. When they entered the private room, Paul looked at Felix, his confidence completely shattered. He said, "Mr. Zeller, you can buy that land, but I have one condition."Cordon was so shocked by Paul's remark that he almost lost his balance. He thought, "What the hell! Did everything I just say go in one ear and out the other?"Upon thinking of this, he dropped to his knees. Paul might be ready to die, but he was not. He had just barely escaped with
Felix's calm demeanor wavered slightly. There was no way he could stay composed when Francis was brought into the conversation. After all, he had already witnessed Francis' incredible abilities—extending someone's lifespan and the sheer power of the Inkspire Quill. It was impossible not to be intrigued.Despite his growing curiosity, Felix kept his tone light, almost teasing, as he asked, "Mr. Rossum, isn't this a bit of a stretch? A piece of land tied to someone from so long ago? Are you saying this land once belonged to Francis?" "No, no, Mr. Zeller, I'm telling the truth! You seem well-educated, so you must know history well. You're aware that historical records say Francis had no descendants in Dragonia, right?" Felix nodded. "Yes, given the circumstances back then, he wouldn't dare. Even if he did, King Aurelius would have taken them as hostages."Paul let out a bitter laugh. "You're absolutely right. But somehow, he did have descendants. Francis hid them so well that eve
As Paul nodded, Felix continued, "So, you're saying you want me to find the serum, and then you'll sell the land?" "Yes, I can tell you're a reasonable man, Mr. Zeller. Otherwise, with your abilities, you could have taken the land by force long ago. I'm truly at my wit's end. I've searched everywhere and found nothing. Please, I beg you to help," Paul pleaded.Whatever reasons Francis had for setting this up must have been out of necessity. After all, who would deliberately curse their own descendants? Back then, Francis was in a desperate situation, constantly under King Aurelius's watch, with no other options. Felix replied, "Alright, I'll help. But I can only promise to do my best. This whole thing sounds too unbelievable to most people."Paul nearly burst into tears of relief. The fact that Felix could command Johann did not matter as much to him. What mattered was that Felix had killed Bazzo, something even Morius could not handle. This gave Paul hope that only someone lik
On the pedestal lay a black object. While the others did not seem particularly moved, Felix felt as if his soul was being drawn into it."A soul-bound weapon?" Even without any formal recognition, Felix could sense the strange power emanating from the black object. As expected, anything left behind by Francis was bound to be extraordinary.As he stepped closer, Felix spoke again. "This looks like an inkstone, doesn't it?"Paul nodded. "Yes, it's an inkstone. When we first found the land, the inkstone started emitting a black glow. According to the records, the stronger the glow, the closer we are to the serum. But no matter how much we searched, the glow never grew beyond a certain point."Felix's mind began to race. The Inkspire Quill was a brush, and now this inkstone left by Francis—both were part of the traditional scholar's tools. Could there be a connection between them? Though he could not figure it out yet, it did not stop him from wanting to claim the inkstone for himsel
Arriving at the tunnel entrance, Felix glanced at Paul. "Alright. Since Holden knows the way, you don't need to come. If things get dangerous, having an extra person to protect only increases the risk."Paul understood. He had poured enormous manpower and resources into this search, yet they still had not found anything. That alone proved that ordinary means would not work, and there was always the possibility of real danger lurking below."Mr. Zeller, please… protect Holden. He's my only child."Felix gave a small nod, and Paul pulled Holden into a tight embrace as if he were sending him off to war. Holden assured Paul, "Don't worry, Dad. Mr. Zeller's with me."The underground tunnels had electric lighting, a clear sign of just how much effort had gone into this excavation. Paul had even hired guards to keep watch, ensuring no outsiders wandered in. Though the area was remote, with only vineyard workers nearby, he had not taken any chances.Felix walked forward, keeping his eyes
Holden quickly ran over. "Mr. Zeller, what do you need me to do?" Felix was still deep in thought, frowning. This was not just an adventure—it was something Francis had left for his descendants. Why would he make it difficult for them?If the goal was to ensure the survival of his bloodline, there were a few methods they needed to try first. Forcing their way in might trigger some hidden trap Francis had set, putting even Felix in danger. Despite his immense power, Felix knew better than to underestimate the most extraordinary alchemist of the Bronze Age, and caution was key.Felix said, "Here's what we'll do. I'll make a small cut on your finger and let your blood drip onto the soil." Though confused, Holden extended his hand. "Whatever you say, Mr. Zeller."After the cut was made, blood dripped onto the ground. At first, Holden did not think much of it, but seconds later, his face paled as he watched the blood vanish without a trace. It was as if the soil had swallowed the b
If it were not for Felix being there, Holden would not have had the courage to approach the stone table. As he got closer, the ancient text began to appear on the wall behind it. Holden could not read most of it. "Mr. Zeller, can you understand what this says?"Felix nodded, a smile forming on his face. "This is definitely Francis' work. It's safe, and there's no danger. The serum is in the box. Go ahead and take it. Then, drip your blood on the two statues. They'll obey your commands."Having encountered living statues in Astoria, Felix was not surprised by Francis' creations. They were likely meant to protect his descendants.Upon hearing Felix's reassurance, Holden relaxed and managed a weak smile. But just as he was about to step forward, a loud crack echoed through the chamber, startling him. "Get back!" Felix extended his right hand, pulling Holden behind him with a swift motion.The two statues began to crack, the sound growing louder as fissures spread across their surf
Ginny was naturally present as well, and she spoke up at that moment. "Mr. Goldstein, no one wanted to see Justus die like that. But why did you bring your people to Longstone residence? Are you suggesting that his sudden death has something to do with us?"Joaquin's expression grew darker as he looked at her. He blamed Ginny for this, thinking that none of this would have happened if she had just agreed earlier. And now, they couldn't even determine the cause of death."No connection? That doctor from your household, Felix Zeller—he's the one responsible for Justus' death."Right then, someone spoke up from the crowd. "That's him! That's Felix Zeller!"Felix, who had been calmly sitting in a chair, finally saw Wagner standing among them. And in that moment, everything made sense."Wagner? You've gotten quite bold, huh?" Gras sneered.Wagner flinched at Gras's words, but remembering that he now had the Goldsteins backing him, he stiffened his spine and stood tall. "Cut the crap
In Cloud City, there were a few noble families. Nonetheless, behind the polite smiles, tensions surged. Infiltrating each other's estates with spies had practically become a tradition. While they rarely uncovered major secrets, the information they did gather always gave them a head start.So when the news broke, Gras didn't doubt it for a second. He jumped to his feet, furious. "This is outrageous! Their son dies, and somehow it's the Longstone family's fault?"Ryker looked just as puzzled, agreeing that the accusation made no sense.But Felix let out a quiet, weary sigh. "Mr. Longstone, I'm afraid this is probably my fault. I'm a doctor, and I've gotten a bit of attention lately. After they failed to determine the cause of Justus' death, and given our meeting earlier today, they likely saw an opportunity to drag your family into the mess." Gras's expression darkened, knowing that Felix wasn't wrong. After all, doctors could also be poisoners, and plenty of martial artists had fa
It was clear someone had said something to Justus. Otherwise, this situation wouldn't have escalated to this point.Felix said calmly, "It was a standard therapeutic massage technique, and I was blindfolded the entire time. Does that explanation satisfy you? Or would you rather find someone else capable of treating Ms. Longstone—I'll gladly step aside if you can."Justus sneered, his eyes filled with disdain. "Cut the crap, Felix. Don't act like I don't know exactly what's going through your head. Ginny's the heiress of the Longstone residence—Gras's precious jewel. Everyone knows that marrying her is like securing the entire household. Don't tell me that thought never crossed your mind.""It didn't," Felix said simply.Unfortunately, that answer was never going to satisfy Justus. He snarled, "Listen up, boy! I'm giving you three days to get the hell out of the Longstone residence. If you don't, you won't even get the chance to regret it. Everyone else might be afraid of Gras—but I
As Wagner watched Justus explode in rage, he felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. With what he'd just uncovered, there was no need to exaggerate—it was already explosive enough on its own.After all, Justus' future fiancée was touched in that kind of intimate way by a young, healthy doctor. Any man with a spine would lose it."But Justus," Wagner added with a smirk. "Didn't Felix just get publicly praised by the Green King?"Cloud City wasn't that big. Anyone with any influence had been keeping close tabs on Green King Manor—especially with the mystery man who walked out of Desolated Lands involved. So, the news of Felix being rewarded had already spread far and wide.Justus clenched his jaw. "So what? It's just a flash in the pan. If he was truly skilled, the Green King would've kept him. But as long as he hasn't climbed into the Green King's inner circle, I can crush him whenever I want."Wagner's grin widened. That was exactly the attitude he needed. If Justus had shown
The moment the Flame Monarch mentioned the Healer Sage, the Green King's expression shifted noticeably. "So the Sage really was living out there in seclusion... No wonder. Flame Monarch, does this mean you've taken a liking to Felix?"But the Flame Monarch waved his hand dismissively. "There's no need for that."That response made the Green King secretly rejoice. If the Flame Monarch didn't intend to recruit Felix, then he understood why—and that was perfect. It meant the opportunity to take Felix under his own wing was wide open.The night passed quietly. Felix stood beside Christopher's bedside, noticing the man's breathing had grown steady and stable.At this point, the herb had run its course and was no longer effective. But what was left inside Christopher's soul—a strange, lingering force—was exactly what Felix had hoped for.Christopher was alive but completely unconscious. The remaining energy had no regenerative properties, which meant he'd likely never wake again. For Fe
Felix wasn't the least bit surprised by the Flame Monarch's reaction, but he still feigned confusion. "Flame Monarch, I'm sorry... but I don't understand. What do you mean by soul-related injuries?"Just from that single line, Felix confirmed what he suspected—Aquamarinus had no concept of soul-based matters. Whether it was training methods or anything else, this realm hadn't yet touched that domain.The Flame Monarch stared at him, pressure radiating from his body. Felix immediately felt his limbs start to tremble under the invisible weight."You don't know? Then how could you claim to treat that man's condition?" Felix calmly pointed toward the herbs laid out on the table. "The force inside him is definitely strange. It triggered a memory... I once sensed something very similar, and it came from within that herb. It was purely instinct—when something feels familiar, there's a chance it might work."The Flame Monarch shifted his gaze to the herb, then said flatly, "Start from th
Felix gave him a direct and honest answer. "As long as I have enough herbs. I can treat him. I won't promise a full recovery, but one thing I can guarantee you is that this man won't die."For now, that was the best possible answer anyone could offer.The Flame Monarch replied, "Good. Begin. As long as you can keep him alive, you'll be handsomely rewarded."It seemed the Flame Monarch already knew something and never truly expected anyone to completely cure Christopher. Preserving his life alone would already be a feat."Flame Monarch, please reconsider!" one of the elderly doctors suddenly cut in, seething with resentment. "This boy is barely grown—how could he possibly possess such remarkable skill in medicine?"The Flame Monarch turned and gave him a cold, mocking glance. "If he can't do it, then can you?"The old man went silent. Perhaps fearing the loss of favor or acting out of sheer pride, he hesitated. Eventually, he found the courage to speak again."I admit I can't, bu
The Green King's expression changed instantly, and he turned to Felix in a hurry. "Dr. Zeller, please come with me to greet him.""Of course," Felix replied.For anyone in Aquamarinus, getting the chance to see the Flame Monarch up close was like a once-in-a-lifetime dream, and people would probably die happy just for that. Naturally, Felix put on a show of reverence as well, even if he didn't feel it deep down.As they reached the front gate, Felix saw several figures striding toward them with heavy steps. At the front of the group was a towering man, nearly nine feet tall. Even someone as built as Dave looked like a delicate bystander next to him.What stood out the most was his bright crimson hair, which flared upward like flames, making it look like his head was on fire. His facial features were fairly average, but the power behind his gaze radiated pure, undeniable authority.So, this was the Flame Monarch?Felix studied him closely. He suspected the man had cultivated some
According to the rules set by the Flame Monarch, the position of Minor Kings rotated every five years. Those who made outstanding contributions could keep their titles, but anyone who fell short would have to fight for their place all over again.The Green King knew he wasn't particularly strong—he was painfully aware of that. And with the next year marking the fifth year, the pressure was mounting fast. So when Christopher appeared, it felt like fate. If he could heal this man before the Flame Monarch arrived with his elite doctors, the credit would be immense, and his reappointment would be virtually guaranteed. Anyone who had never held a Minor King title wouldn't understand just how many perks came with it. If they did, no one would give it up willingly."I can treat him," Felix said calmly. "But I can't promise a full recovery."The Green King smiled. "Do your best. Even if you can only keep him alive, that alone is worth it."Two doctors before had said that Christopher's b