Not far from the courtyard, Mira smiled softly as she pulled out her phone.


    "Is the result out?"


    "Yes, Mr. Hoffman. Felix seeded."


    "Wait. What?" Gerald was quite shocked.


    "That''s impossible! His pill-forming rate is far too low. It''s only been 11 or 12 hours. How could he have crafted over 60 antidote pills? Even if they''re just the most basic kind."


    Mira resigned as she sighed. "Mr. Hoffman, he''s your apprentice. If you don''t have confidence in him, shouldn''t you at least trust your own judgment?"


    Gerald chuckled. "It seems you all know how to butter up an old man like me. Much better at it than Felix -his social skills are practically nonexistent, but it looks like he really does have a talent for pill cultivation, after all. I''ve never been wrong about my judgment.


    "Alright. I''m hanging up now."


    ncing at the courtyard ahead, Mira patted the small bag she was carrying.


    Gerald always loved to act tough, but the fact that he sent her rushing here overnight said it all.


    "The stage is set, Felix. I hope you''re ready when the timees. We might not have the energy to protect you."


    It was unclear how much time had passed when Felix finally woke up. He felt refreshed, his body brimming with vitality, as if he had reached a new pinnacle of health.


    "Felix, you''re finally awake!"


    Melissa hurried over with a ss of water.


    Felix asked with a smile, "How''s the banquet going?"


    "Everything''s fine. With you stepping in, what could possibly go wrong? Oh, and guess what-thetest rankings are out! Lemuel personally submitted the application. You''re officially Dragonia''s top healer now." It was just a title. He couldn''t care less.


    "N was the one taking care of you the whole time, and I only just took over. She even gave you a pill to help you recover faster. After all, the martial arts tournament starts tomorrow."


    The mischievous glint in Melissa''s eyes made it clear she was acting as a matchmaker. Felix was a bit speechless and resigned.


    "Alright. Let''s head out."


    No wonder his body felt so rejuvenated-it was all thanks to N''s help.


    He nced at the clock. It was already 11:00 pm. By his estimate, he had only been asleep for a little over four hours.


    Everyone was gathered in the vi''s living room. N was the first to ask, "How are you feeling?" "Much better now. Thank you."


    N''s expression flickered with


    disappointment. Felix was still so polite and distant toward her,


    showing no sign that their


    swnovel


    rtionship had deepened in any way.


    en


    "It''s my fault," Jack said with a sigh. "If I hadn''t dragged you to the banquet, none of this would''ve happened."


    He med himself endlessly. Felix had to throw a few yful jabs his way before Jack finally started to loosen up.


    "Felix, Milo has something he''d like


    to say to you Ronan said awkwardly pulling Milo forward. It was clear from her expression that this wasn''t easy for her, considering how poorly Milo''s first meeting with Felix had gone.  en


    "You saved my life, so I owe you a favor. I''ll do one thing for you in return, but if we meet during the Dragonia Martial Arts Competition, I won''t hold back."


    His determined expression left no room for argument. Given the weight of the Lone Paragon technique, his response was only natural.


    "You''re Ronan''s friend. I didn''t save you because I wanted something in return. Do you really think I acted the way I did back then just to collect on some favor?"


    Milo froze for a moment, then her gaze softened with respect. She sped his fists together and gave Felix a deep bow before leaving.


    "Where''s Fatso?"


    Noticing that Billy wasn''t around, Melissa immediately spoke up, "Humph! That guy went out to have fun. He even said something like, ''Felix is tough as nails, so he''s not going to die.'' He''s so annoying! What kind of friend says that?"


    Billy really was something else.


    "It''s gettingte. Everyone should get some rest. The martial artspetition starts tomorrow," Melissa


    added before grabbing Ronan and heading upstairs.


    Jack, Vanessa, and the others took the hint and made their way out as well, leaving the living room empty except for N and Felix.