The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

Someone had actually come to Aiden's rescue. Felix's expression darkened as he recalled how he had planned to defeat Aiden fairly in the Martial Arts Competition from the moment he learned of his participation.

Everything had gone according to plan until this unexpected intervention. Even with the Protector present, no one should have been able to interfere.

No matter who Aiden's mentor was, pulling something like this off should have been impossible. Yet, it happened anyway.

With Felix's sharp mind, he immediately suspected there was more to this situation than met the eye. However, no one would dare question the Protector, especially since no one else had been hurt in the process.

"I hereby declare Felix Zeller the champion of this Martial Arts Competition," the Protector announced. The scattered applause that followed reflected how the sudden appearance of the powerful fighter had affected everyone's mood. Felix shook his head and descended from the arena, deciding that dwelling on Aiden's escape would only cause unnecessary stress-he could always finish this another time. He wondered if the Lone Paragon technique would live up to his expectations. Following the staff's directions, Felix returned to the rest area at Arena One. It was completely empty, leaving him alone to wait.

"Congratulations, young man," a voice suddenly sounded.

Felix had not sensed the person's approach at all, and he immediately realized who it was. He greeted respectfully, "Protector, sir."

wore a formal suit, radiated vitality despite his apparent age and spoke with a

Paragon," the Protector said, holding out an object. "Simply place it on your

It was palm-sized and irregularly shaped, with a greenish

emerald slip, an ancient artifact used to record rare and powerful techniques. These are incredibly rare, and each one carries unique

technique within, the emerald slip dissolves

Protector's instructions, Felix placed the emerald slip against his forehead. Instantly, knowledge flooded his mind in an

transformed into a streak of light and disappeared so quickly that even his keen eyes could barely track

Protector," Felix

did not leave immediately. He asked, "I assume you're

felt awkward. "Not at all, sir. Not even slightly." After all, he was no

Protector chuckled.

me of Geraldt's uncanny how much you've picked up his