The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

As night fell over Westville, Janet stared at Nerissa in shock after hearing her story. She exclaimed, "Oh, my God! Nerissa, are you out of your mind? I know you're respectful and empathetic, but the Resonance Bell is a life-saving treasure Westley gave you-how could you just use it like that?"

Before Nerissa could even respond, Janet kept going. "And you were way too reckless! I admit Felix seems like a decent guy, but you haven't even spoken to him, let alone built a relationship. You should've walked away in that situation- what if something had happened to you?"

Nerissa frowned, sadness clouding her eyes. Despite having no real emotional connection with Felix and only a formal encounter between them, she already found herself mourning him. She wondered if this was what people meant by destiny.

"Stop it," she snapped. "I've already decided he's my man, so how could I just stand by and do nothing?"

Seeing that Nerissa was upset, Janet sighed. "I get it... but he's in Echo Cavern now. You know no one ever survives that place."

Nerissa's face grew even more somber. It was true-she had never heard of anyone entering Echo Cavern and making it out alive.

She mumbled, "I already went to Harmony Clinic to ask around. Felix really is Madam Goddard's apprentice and already an Intermediate-grade alchemist."

Janet let out another sigh. "What a waste. His martial skills might be average, but with such insane talent for alchemy, he wouldn't have embarrassed you in the slightest. But he's gone now, so none of that matters."

Nerissa shook her head firmly. "Stop saying he's dead. I have this feeling... Felix might actually survive. And stop badmouthing his martial skills—he's just cautious and low-key.

"Ten of you couldn't match him. I didn't see him fight, but judging by his speed, even someone in the middle stage of Transcendent Realm couldn't keep up with him."

Janet's eyes widened in disbelief. "What the hell? Are you serious? I mean, you're the one saying it, so it must be true... but still!"

She huffed in frustration. "That guy is infuriating! When we talked before, I said he was probably only at True Blood Realm, and he just smiled without saying a word! Next time I see him, I swear-"

Her voice faltered as the reality sank in again—Felix was in Echo Cavern. Talking about him now only felt like rubbing salt into a wound.

"With his insane alchemy talent and martial prowess, Nerissa... he really might be your soulmate. I'll be praying for a miracle."

Three days passed in a blur. Deborah returned to Harmony Clinic with a cheerful smile, clearly successful in obtaining two Solaris Roots.

"Felix, this trip was totally worth it," she thought happily. As soon as she walked in, the Westville manager approached her.

"Madam Goddard, Nerissa from the Xavier family came by several times. She asked me to notify her

immediately when you got back-she said it was urgent noveldrama

1.n

Deborah raised an eyebrow. Though puzzled, since she had barely interacted with

Nerissa, her good mood made her less concerned.

"Alright. Let her know I'm here. Oh, by the way, where's Felix?" Deborah asked.

"I haven't seen him for three days. Maybe he's out exploring the city," the manager replied.

Deborah nodded, chuckling softly.

"Good. That kid deserves a break

Alchemy isn't just about sitting n' one place—it's important to maintain a healthy mindset, too."