The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

Even Laura, who was gravely injured, was stunned. She could not believe what she was hearing a so-called "ordinary person" was actually bold enough to talk to a martial artist so audaciously. In Martial City, such arrogance could only cause him his death.

What baffled her more was that Felix seemed completely unfazed, despite the earlier attack creating a massive crater over 30 feet wide. If even she found it terrifying, Bobby's expression at the moment was beyond strange.

Bobby sneered. "You must really have no idea how big the world is. You're the first ordinary person to speak to me this way. Don't worry. I won't let you die too quickly. First, I'll crush every bone in your body, then I'll take your head and use it as a soccer ball. How does that sound?"noveldrama

Felix shook his head and sighed. "Not very appealing, honestly."

With a casual gesture, he raised his right hand and pointed a single finger.

Bobby froze mid-smirk, his expression locked in place as a bloody hole appeared in the center of his forehead.

"You-" He managed to utter just one word before collapsing to the ground, his eyes filled with disbelief as he took his last breath.

Laura was utterly shocked. Bobby was an early-stage Blood Realm martial artist -someone known for his power-yet Felix had killed him instantly. That meant Felix's strength had to be at least mid-stage Blood Realm, if not higher.

What puzzled her more was why Felix had been hiding his power. In Martial City, high-level martial artists flaunted their strength as a badge of honor, yet Felix had concealed his. This also explained the massacre in the cave earlier it had to have been Felix's doing.

As she pieced it together, Felix turned his gaze toward her, his eyes filled with unmasked killing intent.

"Please, don't kill me! I'm begging you!" Laura pleaded desperately. She was not ready to die, and despite her injuries, she clung to hope.

Felix remained unmoved. With a mission as critical as his, leaving witnesses alive was too dangerous-he understood this all too well. Laura realized she had no other option and bit her lip.

"Sir, you must have your reasons for hiding your strength. My family, the

Larssons, is one of the most prominent in North City. I'm sure we could be of help

to you in some way. Please spare me."

Felix hesitated, knowing she was not wrong. As a newcomer unfamiliar with

Martial City, having a local ally could save him significant time and effort.

"I'll let you live, but only if you agree to become my lackey. That's your only choice," Felix said bluntly.

"Your lackey?" Laura's heart sank. No one wanted to live under someone else's control. But seeing no alternative, she reluctantly agreed.

Half an hour later, Felix finally relaxed after using a Soul Sealing Needle to ensure her loyalty. Laura was now completely his.

"Sir," she said, her tone surprisingly genuine.

Though she had initially felt conflicted, Felix had already healed her life-threatening injuries within minutes. His incredible strength and medical skill made her realize that following him might not be such a bad deal, after all.

"Just call me Felix from now on," he said. "There's no need to attract unnecessary attention."

"Got it," she replied.

Felix asked why she had not driven out of the city, and Laura explained that driving outside Martial City was incredibly risky. Without a strong martial artist as an escort, cars were prime targets for bandits.

Vehicles were expensive and rare, making them a glaring mark in lawless areas. The old woman's gang from earlier had simply been

lucky to keep theirs for so long as they never stayed in one spot for too long.

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