Just then, the flute''s melody shifted dramatically, causing Vilebane to turn pale with shock as he felt an invisible force m into his body. When Felix looked over, he found Vilebane copsed on the ground, his limbs twisted in hideous angles that barely resembled anything human anymore.


    Terror filled the dying man''s eyes as he struggled to form hisst words. "W-Why are you here? Why..."


    With Vilebane''sst breath, Felix felt his own strength giving out. Just as he was about to fall backward, he noticed a sweet, floral scent filling the air, and someone caught him. "Well done, Felix," Karina said.


    Looking up at the breathtaking beauty before him, Felix managed a weak smile before losing consciousness. This was Karina, ranked third among the senior apprentices in terms of power.


    While he had always known about her abilities, this was his first time witnessing her in action, and it was absolutely mind-blowing. Vilebane, who had nearly killed Felix, did not even make Karina break a sweat-she simply yed her signature flute, and he was dead. When Felix finally regained consciousness, he felt better than ever before, and the Phantom Poison in his system had vanished entirely.


    "Mr. Hoffman gave me a pill to bring to you. Don''t get the wrong idea. I haven''t suddenly taken up medicine," Karina said.


    Her voice brought him fully awake, and he realized he was back in his own home.


    11


    "Karina, thank you for saving me," Felix began, but then something clicked in his mind. Wait a minute! You mentioned Mr. Hoffman''s medicine? Does that mean you came to save me on his orders?"


    Karina nodded. "Of course. Did you think I was just hanging around with all the time in the world or was somehow psychic?"


    Felix''s mind raced as he tried to process this information while Karina moved to sit on the edge of his bed.


    She exined, "Mr. Hoffman knew your meridian channels needed external stimtion to break through. He predicted Vilebane would seek revenge through the Miracle Card and use you to get to him. Everything went exactly ording to his n."


    Felix could not help butugh bitterly. "Well, I guess I should thank him then! My meridians would have opened in a month anyway. He sure knows how to surprise me!" "Oh?" Karina''s beautiful eyes sparkled as she gently touched Felix''s cheek. "Maybe Mr.


    Hoffman was being a bit nosy, but now that your meridians are open, you can start practicing the Dragons Destroyer.


    "Plus, you can begin searching for the nine dragon vertebrae left behind on Earth when the ancient dragon transformed and departed-your power will skyrocket like never before."


    Felix was already aware of these because Gerald had exined them before. There was no way he would pass up this opportunity.


    Karina continued, "Vilebane wouldn''t have dared to attack you if he didn''t have help. ording to Mr. Hoffman, Vilebane would never act alone. This may be the work of those old bastards lurking in the shadows.


    "You need to collect those dragon vertebrae quickly, Felix. We can''t always count on Mr. Hoffman predicting everything and sending me or the other senior apprentices to save you in time."


    Felix shook his head with a smile, feeling his determination return. "Don''t worry, Karina. I promise this won''t happen again.".


    Suddenly, Karina stood up and began removing her purple dress. Her cheeks were slightly flushed. "Actually, there''s one more thing I need to ask of you."


    Felix felt his scalp tingle. If she needed a favor, she could have just said it-there was no need to undress herself.