Kendrick chuckled darkly and replied, "You''re being pretty considerate, leaving Felix with something intact. But hey, do whatever you want with his head. We''re nning to rip the rest of him to pieces anyway."


    Since the Dragonspines were inside Felix''s body and not connected to his head, there was nothing to be worried about.


    "Good. Tell Dean that the n starts tomorrow," the voicemanded.


    "Yes, sir!"


    As Kendrick left, he could not help but feel puzzled. Felix had only just arrived in Martial City, yet he already had so many powerful enemies. It was almost as if fate itself had decided that such an arrogant man was doomed to die.


    Later that night, Barry showed up, and he and Felix shared a meal at Harmony Clinic''s dining hall. Barry was overflowing with gratitude.


    "Felix, I can''t thank you enough. If it weren''t for you, my dad would be dead by now, and I probably wouldn''t have survived, either."


    Felix smiled casually. "No need to thank me. I only did what I could. If it had been beyond my ability, there wouldn''t have been much I could do."


    Barry still could not get over the fact that Felix had connections with the Xavier family, one of the most powerful forces in Westville. It was beyond astonishing.


    He replied, "Regardless, you saved our lives. I might be a nobody with nothing to offer, but if you ever need anything, just say the word. I''d walk through fire for you without hesitation."


    Barry then mentioned how Jason had personallye to apologize and promised that there would be no more trouble from his end. That had been a huge relief for Barry.


    "If you really want to help me," Felix said, "keep an eye out for rare herbs used in the Ascension Pill. Let me know if you hear anything."


    The Ascension Pill was crucial for breaking through thete stage of Transcendent Realm. Felix could never have too many resources for that purpose, especially since relying solely on Harmony Clinic was too slow for his liking.


    Barry nodded solemnly. "It won''t be easy, but I''ll do my best."


    ...


    The next morning, Felix was summoned by Deborah. He asked, "Madam Goddard, you wanted to see me?"


    Deborah nodded. "Yes. I''ll be heading out with Shepherd. We might be back soon, or it could take a few days.


    "It''s hard to say. I thought about bringing you along, but the ce we''re going is dangerous. If something goes wrong, it''ll be tough for Shepherd to protect both of us."


    Felix did not expect her to exin herself, but he quickly reassured her, "You don''t have to worry about me. Just take care of yourself."


    Seeing how considerate he was, Deborah smiled warmly and sent a telepathic message. "I got word about two Sris Root nts in a swamp 18 miles from Westville.


    "You know that outside of the Harmony Clinic''s mountain, any ce with Sris Root is highly dangerous. If Shepherd weren''ting, I wouldn''t risk it, either.


    "From now on, any Sris Root I find will be saved for you. When you''re ready to make Ascension Pills, you''ll have what you need."


    Felix was deeply moved by


    Deborah''s kindness. After all, Sris Root was one of the rarest and most valuable ingredients for the


    l.ne


    Ascension Pill. Any alchemist who caught wind of it would go to great


    lengths to obtain it.


    After Deborah and Shepherd departed a staff member from the Harmony Clinic approached him The person handed over a box and said, “Dr. Zeller, someone sent you a package."


    Felix immediately suspected J, believing only that mischievous girl would pull something like this. He took the box and replied, "Thanks."


    However, when he opened it, his expression turned deadly serious. He muttered in disbelief, "H-How is this even possible?"