Perry was dead. He lay on the ground in front of Ted's grave, with blood pooling around him.Xena was overwhelmed with grief. With her parents gone, she had only Curtis to rely on, and she cherished every one of her relatives. Now, seeing Perry dead before her and with what looked like a suicide, the pain was unbearable for her.Yet, Jaden's expression remained calm, as if he had anticipated this scene. There was even a flicker of schadenfreude in his gaze."Xena, now's not the time to feel sad. Think about why your uncle would choose to take his own all of a sudden," Jaden said.Still crying, Xena looked at Jaden, feeling confused, "What do you mean?""When I arrived, he was still alive! He only told me that he was sure that Felix was responsible for his son's death, though he had no proof. Maybe, as a father, he found it unbearable to go on without avenging his son's murder."Xena felt guilty. She looked down at Perry's lifeless body."Uncle Perry, why did you have to take suc
"Mr. Hawkins, we've confirmed it. Perry's death was indeed a suicide. Xena went to the site personally," a subordinate reported.Andrei nodded, setting aside Perry's final letter. He raised his hand, and a tablet was handed to him immediately."This is all the information we could gather on Felix. Please take a look."Time slipped by as Andrei meticulously studied the details for over two hours. He had always been detail-oriented, after all."Felix is far from ordinary, as expected. Most of the people in his circle are not ones we can afford to provoke," Andrei remarked.While they couldn't yet ascertain Felix's full capabilities—aside from Perry's mention of him being a martial artist—the connections within his circle told a different story."Yes, Mr. Hawkins. That was my conclusion as well. Are we still going to proceed against Felix?"Andrei nodded again. "Of course. A promise is a promise. I'll keep at it until I reach my limits. If there's truly no way forward, only then wi
The note read, "I challenge you on behalf of the Elders' Council. On the night of the full moon, atop Eastern Mountain. I will await you!"Beneath that, the note was signed with the name "Solomon Gill".Looking at those words on the note, Felix felt somewhat baffled."Felix, I'm so sorry… I've let you down." Vivian apologized repeatedly, disregarding her own injuries. It was her first major task since becoming Dragon Lord, and it had ended in failure. She felt terrible for this setback."Don't take it to heart. This Solomon is at least at the level of a Martial Saint. It makes sense you couldn't match him," Felix said dismissively.The enemy had managed to injure Vivian and all the Dragon Alliance guards without even being seen. That said enough about his capability. Felix had reacted quickly, but by the time he came out, the person was gone."Have you ever heard of the Elders' Council?" he asked.Vivian shook her head. "No, and as far as I know, there's no such organization in
After the call ended, Felix feasted on the food. He was hungry after a long day."Why aren't you eating?" he asked, noticing that Xena was watching him with a hint of unease."I'm not hungry. I only ordered the food to go along with the act. I didn't think you'd actually eat it," Xena replied."Of course. Why waste it?" Felix said, unfazed.He wiped his mouth as if he was about to leave, but then Xena spoke up again. "My uncle, Perry, is dead. He committed suicide."Felix's expression remained calm. "And?"Her grief and anger erupted in that moment. "Are you even human? You know why he killed himself, don't you? Don't pretend you don't! Are you really going to say Ted's death had nothing to do with you?"It was clear her sadness was genuine, welling up from deep inside."First, I had nothing to do with Ted's death. Second, Perry's suicide has nothing to do with me, either. Finally, have you spent even a moment considering what Ted might have done to provoke me? "Are you truly
This was the first time Felix had ever heard Yvonne sound so distressed. His emotions were stirred by her sobbing."What happened? Tell me!" he shouted."There's an outbreak of some unknown illness at an orphanage in Canraville. Can you go there? Those poor kids are suffering terribly," Yvonne explained.An orphanage? Felix didn't need to ask why or how this was connected to Yvonne. He only knew that these children, who had already had an unfortunate life, were now enduring physical torment as well. It was too heartbreaking."I'm on my way now.""Thank you, Felix. Lady Nala and I just arrived in Yartford, but we're taking a flight right back to Canraville. Besides you, Lady Nala has used her connections to gather every available doctor in the area."Nala was involved in this? Felix didn't ask further questions. He hailed a taxi and went to the address Yvonne had given him.Shortly after getting off, Felix received a call from Larry's younger brother, Luis. Felix briefly explaine
Upon entering, Felix found himself in a children's bedroom. The spacious room contained over a dozen beds with children, though only three people were present to tend to them. One was an elderly man who had to be Brandon, alongside Zara, whom Felix already knew. The third was a young man who must have been Brandon's disciple. If not, he would not have been permitted to be here. "Felix!" Zara's eyes brightened upon seeing his arrival, but her excitement was restrained. After all, Brandon was present. While Felix's medical skills were impressive, they could not compare to Brandon, Dragonia's third-best master healer. "How are things?" Felix asked.Zara's eyes reddened as she watched a child thrashing against their restraints, clearly in agony. "Not good. I can't identify the illness. It's up to Dr. Quinn now." At another bedside, Brandon frowned as he removed a silver needle. While assisting him, Gale immediately turned to scold them, "Quiet! Get out if you can't keep silent. Ca
With Brandon's words hanging in the air, Gale, who already could not stand Felix, immediately pointed at him. "Did you hear that? Get out if you're not going to help! You should know your place in traditional medicine. You can't just rise to the top on empty praise." Though he had initially just been ensuring Brandon could work in peace, Zara's praise of Felix had sparked his jealousy, regardless of its truth. Ignoring Gale's provocations, Felix watched Brandon, who had returned to examining his silver needle. He asked seriously, "Dr. Quinn, have you heard of the Bloom Seeds?" What? Brandon shot up and trembled. "That's it! I knew it reminded me of something but couldn't place it. Yes, it must be the Bloom Seeds!" Zara quickly asked, "What are the Bloom Seeds?" Someone else answered her, "The Bloom Seeds are the signature technique of Sonny Balcom, who's ranked 12th among the Thirteen Aces and Dragonia's Super S-rank wanted criminals. "As the Circle of Hearts, he could inje
Gale thought, "Hmph! Keep boasting, kid. Everyone wants to show off! When you fail, I'll make sure you'll regret being alive!" Gale remained convinced that someone just a few years older than him couldn't possibly achieve such a miracle. Xena was also shaken up and feeling equally skeptical. "Felix, you need to understand that this—" Before she could finish, Felix cut her off with a cold stare. "Instead of questioning me, bring some men over and guard outside! Who's the doctor here—you or me?" Xena trembled with anger. Given her status and the fact that she would soon be promoted to Warlady, even Brandon had shown her deference upon seeing her again. Yet, Felix dared to speak to her so rudely in front of everyone. "Saving lives takes priority. Your name is Felix, correct?" Regardless of others' opinions, Brandon only cared about freeing these children from the Bloom Seeds as a master healer. "Yes. I assume you know the Pierce of Trinity technique?" Felix replied."I do. I'
Many people breathed a sigh of relief at this response. For some reason, no one wanted to see this young man rise to power. Finnley, who had returned to his seat, turned ashen with anger, but he knew there was nothing he could do about it. If he had not gone to beg for mercy earlier, Felix could have used that favor to destroy the Walsh family today.Nala's expression softened upon seeing this. She believed the man she had abandoned should quietly live an ordinary life rather than rise so powerfully that even she felt threatened. "You've told the truth, and I'll keep my promise. Yvonne can now make her own choices in pursuing happiness, and I won't interfere anymore," she stated.It was exactly the answer Felix was waiting for. With so many witnesses present, Nala would not dare risk her reputation by breaking her word. "Take care of yourself, Yvonne," Felix said, glancing at her before leaving, with Vivian and Christie following suit as their business was concluded.Outside t
Felix turned to face Nala, who met his gaze with fierce determination. Just when everyone thought the conflict was over, Nala's intervention brought a deafening silence to the room. Everyone knew Nala's significance—not just for her mysteriously powerful family background, but for her own commanding presence. Her willingness to challenge both Moonshadow and Dragon Alliances spoke volumes about her authority.Felix retorted, "I've been more than reasonable today. Yvonne is safe, and your deal with the Walsh family stands. Don't push your luck, Lady Nala!"The crowd gasped. In all of Dragonia, Felix was the first to dare speak to Nala so brazenly in public. Even Nala, known for her composure, could not hide the icy anger in her glare. Felix continued, "Yvonne remains yours. I only want to ensure you'll never treat her as a mere tool again. Is that so difficult? Answer me!" Nala was about to respond, but Felix stepped closer. Even though he had lost his martial abilities, his
As they looked at Felix again, everyone felt his presence seem more towering and commanding, inspiring an almost reverential awe. His ability to summon the support of two major powers was unprecedented. George and Ryan remained dumbfounded, their previous misconceptions about Felix shattered by this stunning revelation. Meanwhile, Dominic swallowed his pride with remarkable speed. There was no doubt that his adaptability was what led the Walsh family to such heights.He said smoothly, "Ah, Mr. Zeller, surely there's been a misunderstanding. If I had known about your connection to Ms. Cooper, I would never have agreed to this marriage!" He laughed nervously, aware that the room understood his abrupt change in tone. Nonetheless, with Dragon Alliance and Moonshadow Alliance backing Felix—not just in name but with their most influential figures present—Dominic knew he could not win. Even if the Walsh family exhausted every connection, their do
The moment Vivian spoke, all eyes turned to her, each gaze filled with shock and disbelief. The thought that she might be supporting Felix seemed unbelievable at first, but as she moved to stand beside him, reality sank in. "Milady, w-what does this mean?" Dominic stammered, confused. He was under the impression that Vivian was here as their honored wedding guest."Today, Dragon Alliance will fully support Felix," Vivian declared firmly.A collective gasp swept through the crowd. If there had been any doubt about Vivian's stance before, it was now crystal clear—she had not come for the Walsh family's wedding at all, but to back Felix.At this moment, everyone wondered who Felix was and what he had done to command such an unwavering alliance from the Dragon Lord herself. After all, it was clear from her statement that there would be no compromise."Yvonne, come here," Felix called out.Yvonne stood frozen, hands covering her mouth in disbelief. Even though she knew of Felix's c
The moment Finnley spotted Felix, he stood up and reprimanded him loudly. As the younger generation, any disrespect from Finney might be forgiven, but Dominic had to maintain composure, especially now.A gentle breeze swept through, and the security guards stumbled backward several steps. Only then did everyone notice the elderly man standing two steps behind Felix—Seven, the head of Flair, founded by Averill.Without even lifting a finger, Seven had repelled the guards, showcasing an immense power that left the crowd in stunned silence. George and Ryan tensed up as they watched Felix's bold entrance. With influential figures like Christie and Vivian present, not to mention the other distinguished guests, they worried about how this situation would resolve.Yvonne's heart was in turmoil. She had not expected Felix to come, let alone with such determination to take her away. Though she longed to run into Felix's arms and live on her own terms, she knew it was not that simple. Nal
As time passed, the guests took their seats, awaiting the start of the ceremony. The Walsh family had opted for two wedding ceremonies. This was a grand one, meant for a bigger crowd, including friends and business associates. An intimate ceremony was planned for three days later, inviting only their close family members. It was a testament to the family's penchant for elaborate customs.At the front tables, Christie sat on the left and Vivian on the right, commanding everyone's attention. Sharing the table with them was none other than Nala, a clear indicator of her elevated status within this gathering. "What should we do? We still can't find Mr. Zeller, but surely he's heard the news by now. He can't act rashly!" Ryan mumbled anxiously, still feeling guilty about lying during the Eastern Mountain incident."Mr. Gibson, what's the point of worrying? Can we really influence his decisions?" George glanced at Vivian's table with a bitter smile, knowing she could be the wild card i
The woman appeared to be in her 40s, yet possessed an ageless elegance. Her gentle smile had an almost magical quality that could lift anyone's spirits, making even the gloomiest thoughts vanish instantly.Her presence alone radiated an almost magnetic charm, the kind that was impossible to ignore."Welcome, milady. The Walsh family is deeply honored by your presence," Dominic said as he approached, his voice trembling slightly. He could barely imagine how this day would elevate their family's social standing.The woman smiled gently and said, "I'm Christie Manning, the third-generation Master of Moonshadow Alliance. Forgive me for intruding."Her voice was mesmerizing, rich, and melodious, weaving its way into the minds of everyone present. Many men in the crowd were visibly entranced, their expressions dazed. It was as if her words had struck a chord deep within their souls. Standing nearby, Nala felt a pang of disappointment flicker across her features. She was hoping it mig
After delivering this news, Dominic hurried away, leaving Nala standing there in disbelief. She mumbled, "Did he say… the Grandmaster of Moonshadow Alliance?"Beside her, Alfie's eyes widened with shock. "If I heard correctly, yes, miss. That's exactly what he said." Alfie understood Nala's astonishment. Moonshadow Alliance's Grandmaster was even more mysterious than Dragon Alliance's founder. While some had at least glimpsed Eloise's silhouette, no one knew anything about Dahlia.Moreover, Moonshadow Alliance had maintained its supreme position for years. Their power was evident at the recent Avesburgh auction of the Miracle Card, where a single bid from them had silenced all other potential buyers. And now, their elusive leader was attending Michael's wedding."Let's go!" Nala rushed toward the entrance, determined to uncover what made this wedding so unique that it could attract two of the most powerful figures players in their world.Ryan and George had also received the news
After Yale's disappearance, Nala had abandoned her original plans. With the recent appearance of the founder's attendant, Dragon Alliance had regained its former glory, and no one dared to challenge their authority.At the entrance of the Walsh residence, Dominic arrived just as a sleek black executive sedan pulled up. Nala recognized the two figures who stepped out first—both the vice leaders of Dragon Alliance, whom she had met before.The fact that the vice leaders were opening the car door could only mean one thing—the Dragon Lord was here. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Dominic had already instructed security to clear away unnecessary guests."Welcome to Michael's wedding. Dragon Lord, Your presence brings great honor to the Walsh family," Dominic said earnestly. This unexpected visit would undoubtedly elevate the Walsh family's status even higher than their planned alliance with Nala.Vivian nodded in acknowledgment before heading inside, with Dominic carefully