The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

Seven figures emerged, striding confidently in their direction.

The six trailing behind all wore black attire, exuding an oppressive aura. The young man leading the group, however, was even more striking. Dressed in a long golden robe, he radiated authority with every step.

Even an ordinary person, seeing such clothing, would immediately recognize him as a member of the royal family. After all, in the entire Martial City, only the royal family dared to don such golden robes. Their royal guards, in contrast, wore imposing black uniforms.

Caught off guard by their unannounced arrival, Wilson quickly stepped forward with a wide, welcoming smile.

"What an honor to have you visit our humble Xavier family, Your Highness. I apologize for not greeting you sooner."

Though royalty commanded respect, it was more of a title than actual governance. Kneeling or performing grand ceremonial gestures wasn't customary in such interactions. So, Wilson merely clasped his hands together as a polite greeting.

"Mr. Xavier, there's no need for such formalities," the young man said. "I'm here on official business in Westville, but I thought I'd stop by and visit my fiancée while I'm here. It's only proper."

Zayn Palmer, the sixth prince, was a refined and elegant man. He carried himself with an air of unmatched grace befitting a member of the royal family.

"Who's your fiancée?" Before anyone else could respond, Nerissa broke in coldly, her face frosty with displeasure. "Hmph! Sneaking around eavesdropping on others, and now spouting such nonsense?"

"Nerissa, mind your manners!" Wilson reprimanded sharply.

Zayn, however, waved it off with a gentle smile. "It's fine. Nerissa is, after all, a member of the illustrious Xavier family and one of the Ten Prodigies. A little temper is to be expected."noveldrama

Wilson was thoroughly pleased with Zayn's response. For him, the grand strategy of securing the Xavier family's future relied on this marriage. Zayn, the sixth prince, being royalty and exceptional in his own right, was an ideal match.

"Your Highness, you are indeed magnanimous. By the way, you mentioned earlier about someone named Felix entering Echo Cavern. What's that about?"

A flicker of pride crossed Zayn's eyes.

"Mr. Xavier, it seems you've been

it

kept in the dark. Our royal family has ways of uncovering any secret. For instance, after you proposed the idea of a union between our families, I began watching Nerissa. That's when I discovered her so-called mysterious fiancé, a mere nobody named Felix.

"Before we could dig deeper into his background, his enemies chased him into

Echo Cavern. Entering that place is no different from a death sentence."

Even as Janet tried to hold her back,

Nerissa's fury was evident. She

snapped back, "Echo Cavern is

certain death? Maybe for someone like you. Felix is different. And even if he truly perished, I would never

marry anyone else."

Just as the tension began to grow, Jace Xavier suddenly broke the somber mood with a cheerful exclamation. "I just ran into Felix!"

The entire Xavier family froze in shock. No one had anticipated so many people gathering in their courtyard, especially with Zayn present.

"Felix!"

Standing at the side of the courtyard was none other than Felix himself.

Unable to contain her emotions, Nerissa let out a surprised cry before rushing into his arms. She didn't care about the crowd watching. Her feelings were laid bare, and she was overjoyed that Felix had survived Echo Cavern.

Felix, far from feeling awkward, wrapped his arms around her and softly reassured her, "I'm sorry for worrying you. I'm here now to keep my promise."

"Felix!"

Not far away, Janet stood frozen, her hands covering her mouth in disbelief. She'd been certain Felix had entered Echo Cavern and wouldn't survive.

Yet here he was, alive and standing before them. It was a miracle in every sense

of the word. Not just in their family but likely all of Martial City-no one else could claim such a feat.