The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

In Denverville, Jared maniacally laughed as he read the latest news. "Harmony Clinic put out a massive bounty on the Maximus family!

"That means Felix is dead for sure! Serves him right! Suddenly, I don't feel so bad for being punished by Dad!"

"Wow, Jared, what's got you laughing like a lunatic?" A woman sauntered into the room. She was stunning, dressed in short, tight-fitting shorts that showed off her

curves.

The way she walked, with her hips swaying hypnotically, could steal the breath of anyone watching from behind.

"Oh, Joanna! Nothing major, just in a good mood."

The woman was Joanna Yorker, the eldest daughter of the Yorker family, who was a dominant power in Denverville. Jared was clearly no match for her in terms of status.

"I'm here to ask about Nerissa. Where's the person I asked for? The deadline was three days ago. You're not usually late like this," Joanna said, her voice laced with impatience.

Jared scratched the back of his head awkwardly and leaned in to whisper.

"Joanna, you know how it was easier when my dad was still stationed in North City.

"Things moved faster without all the oversight. But now that he's in Denverville, I have to be more careful, which slows things down a bit."

Joanna gave him a playful yet warning glance, her gaze full of mischief. "Fine. I'll give you two more days. But if you don't deliver, the deal's off. You know how easy it is for my family to find another seller."

Jared quickly nodded, laughing nervously. "Of course! Two days is plenty." Then, he changed the subject. "By the way, Joanna, I saw Nala the other day. Is she back in Martial City?"

A flash of disdain crossed Joanna's eyes. "Yeah, she's back. Spent all that time in the capital searching for a cure and found nothing—not even a husband.

"So, now she's stuck living with that face for the rest of her life. It's funny how you used to chase after her. What happened to that?"

Jared shuddered at the memory. "Don't even joke about that. After I saw her real face... I had nightmares for three days straight. I would never ever go near her again, even if someone paid me."noveldrama

Joanna burst into laughter. This was exactly the reaction she had hoped for.

Once upon a time, Nala had been a beauty who overshadowed her in every way. Hence, Nala's fall from grace was nothing short of satisfying.

Meanwhile, Felix was still alive inside Echo Cavern, though he remained locked in an exhausting battle with the relentless, otherworldly sound. Over the past few days, he had noticed a strange pattern.

Whenever the Dragonspine fragments vibrated one hundred times, an

indescribable sensation would wash over his entire body. It was so intense that he

had to stop himself from crying out in pleasure.

Felix could not explain it, but he was

sure the feeling originated deep within his soul and might be tied to the mysterious crystal Helena had given him. Whenever this sensation hit, the sound's attacks would instantly spike in intensity rather than gradually build up.

"Man, I have no idea when this will end," Felix muttered, rubbing his temples. "My

mind feels sharper somehow, but is that a good or bad thing?"

As for the flute Billy had given him, Felix would not dare use it again. The sound within Echo Cavern was clearly the type that grew stronger when challenged. It seemed

ver

patience and caution were his only options.

The fragments vibrated again, hitting the hundred mark. This time, the sensation was so overwhelming that Felix's scalp tingled, and he could not stop his eyes from rolling back in ecstasy.

The sound intensified once more, its oppressive force returning. Still dazed, Felix instinctively opened his eyes and froze in shock. He whispered, "What... is this?"