The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

Felix turned around. A Mercedes-Benz SUV had pulled up behind him, honking incessantly.

Felix couldn't help but laugh in exasperation. This wasn't some bustling metropolis with proper roads, traffic lights, or strict rules.

It was open terrain, with no boundaries or designated lanes to worry about. Martial City's flat ground made for smooth travel without much risk of bumps.

The driver was clearly picking a fight on purpose. "Hey, kid! What are you staring at? Never seen such a nice car? Get out of the way!"

The car door opened, and a young man stepped out. He pointed rudely at Felix.

"The road's wide enough. I've already moved over. What more do you want?" Felix replied coolly.

The young man's expression darkened with anger. "What the hell? Are you trying to teach me how to behave? Do you even know who's sitting in this car? The disciple of Harmony Clinic's chief steward is in the backseat! How dare you disrespect us?"

The Chief Steward? That was a rank higher than Nellie and usually reserved for alchemists.

Felix hesitated for a moment, but he stepped aside soon. He didn't want to cause any trouble for Delilah. Letting it slide was the easier choice.

The young man smirked smugly. "Heh, see? That wasn't so hard. You could have saved yourself from a scolding, you pathetic fool."

The Mercedes-Benz sped off.

Felix resumed his journey, soon noticing that the SUV was driving straight ahead without making any turn.

The driver simply honked or got out to show off whenever people were in his way. It was all just to flaunt their status.

As Felix moved closer to the mountain, the road became busier, with more people and vehicles appearing-likely others on their way to take the Intermediate Alchemy Assessment.

Given the mix of participants, it was no surprise to run into all kinds of characters.

At the foot of the mountain, Felix made it through a checkpoint before beginning his ascent.

"Wow! Look at these Glacierthorns, Azure Blossoms, and True Essence Fruits! These are all rare herbs! This mountain really is extraordinary."

"No kidding. Only Harmony Clinic has the privilege of owning a mountain where rare medicinal herbs grow naturally."

"I'd love to gather some."

"Hah! Go ahead and try. If you pick anything without approval, you'll be expelled from the clinic at best, or lose you life at worst. Why do you think no one dares touch these herbs on the way up? There's a reason the herbs are unguarded."

While listening to the chatter around him, Felix couldn't help but think. If such a mountain existed in a big city, it would've been stripped bare in no time. Only by harvesting in moderation and carefully tending to the land could they enjoy the

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benefits over the long term.

"Hey, I'm Barry Lufter. You're also here for the Intermediate Alchemy Assessment,

right?" A chubby man appeared at Felix's side and greeted him.

"Yes. I'm Felix Zeller."

Barry's round figure immediately reminded Felix of Billy, which left a good impression on him.

"Felix, you must be incredibly talented to be taking the Intermediate Alchemy Assessment at such a young age. That's impressive."

Felix chuckled, feeling a bit awkward at the sudden flattery. "You don't look much older than me yourself."

Scratching the back of his head, Barry smiled sheepishly. "I'm not as young as I look. I've taken some special elixirs that slow down aging.

"Truth is, I'm a bit older, and this is my third attempt at the Intermediate Assessment. If I fail again, I'll have to consider a different career. Maybe alchemy just isn't for me."

"It's your third attempt?" Felix raised an eyebrow, looking surprised.

Laughter erupted from a group nearby. "Ha! Look at that! Barry Lufter has a friend! How hilarious is that?"noveldrama

The sudden mockery made Barry's face flash with fear. He quickly turned and bowed toward the group with a pleading expression, hoping they would spare him.