For the remaining duel until dusk arrived, Felix tried to challenge the inner disciples, but they refused.

The highest in the ranking among them was at Top 10 and he admitted he was no match for Felix despite being at Commander Rank 2.

However, they suggested instantly for Felix to officially file a challenge a challenge on Top 8, as it would be the only disciple that could defeat him.

Felix doubted their words. How could he believe the words of a resentful coward?

He challenged him again but the Top 10 firmly refused despite being showered by mockery gazes of the outer disciples.

He was unshaken.

Felix gave up. If even Top 10 refused, why would he expect from the individual below Top 10?

In the end, he announced into the outer disciples that if it was possible relay the message to Top 9 to accept his challenge for tomorrow.

The outer disciples excitedly assured him, causing Felix to smile.

Felix and Krisha socialized with the disciples quite longer until evening has officially arrived.

They returned to the Residential Wing, had dinner together, and proceeded on their private matter.

Tonight, Felix and Moon had a breakthrough. He finally reached Commander Rank 2 while Moon ascended to Tier 4 Rare rank.

They celebrated the milestone by of course cultivating—stabilizing their foundation.

Felix also had a solid grasp of his strength now. His energy core turned red from dark red and its quantity and quality multiplied twice.

He observed he could execute River Strike twenty times now—same for Wave Step.

His strength took a big leap.

Felix smiled. No wonder why they treated the minor rank in Commander rank similar as Awakener Rank reaching Commander rank.

Dawn arrived. Felix, Rain, and Moon returned to their personal abode. Felix slept for five hours straight, completely refreshed once he woke up.

He had a lunch together with Krisha at the cafeteria.

However, while they were in the middle of eating, Isaac finally appeared. He was still bald, albeit he was more muscular and leaned. His disposition was admiring and the aura he exuded was sharp.

He walked towards Felix and ignored Krisha, who was distracted from eating.

He said, "I’m at Top 5, let’s duel later. Forget about Top 9, he’s also scared to lose his ranking."

Felix was taken aback. Krisha was utterly surprised as well. She examined Isaac from head to toe and realized he had changed from the first time they met.

She instantly understood the reason after recalling how Isaac reacted during Master Shen and Felix’s interactions.

She grinned. He might be itching in fighting Felix, but does he really think he can defeat him?

Krisha shook her head and resumed eating.

Felix, on the other hand, smiled at Isaac and nodded.

"That’s better, then. See you later."

He turned his head away from Isaac and resumed eating, as well.

Isaac was infuriated after perceiving that Felix was treating him lightly. He clenched his fists and didn’t say anything anymore.

He turned around and left, swearing he would humiliate Felix later during their duel.

Krisha glanced at Isaac’s back and giggled.

She said, "Seems like he wants to defeat you badly. I didn’t expect him to come by himself."

Felix chuckled and continued eating.

Krisha glanced at Felix and asked, "From his aura, it seems he has gotten stronger now. Do you feel pressured?"

Felix shrugged.

"Not for now. But hopefully later on the battle, I will. It’s so boring to battle when you can win easily.

Don’t you feel the same?"

Krisha raised her eyebrows. She recalled her battle against Cayden and nodded, wiping her mouth with white towel.

She said, "It was boring, indeed. How I wish to fight you again, but I know that you’ll only feel bored." She rolled her eyes.

Felix chuckled, vexing her even more.

He said, "Though, I might not win against you easily as you expect. Your sword art is terrifying. Well, what can I expected from the sword art as stronger as mine?"

"Wait until I reached the peak of the current sword techniques, I’ll be able to defeat you."

Felix laughed. "Bring it on, then."

After a while, Felix finally finished eating. As usual, Felix and Krisha decided to fetch their beast pets before strolling around the Azure Cleave Dojo. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

It was not a simple strolling, Felix and Krisha would discuss ideas, not only on their sword art, but the tactic they thought of.

They were beast tamer as their main profession. Hence, it was normal for them to exchange ideas.

At the same time, Felix and Krisha would share about their knowledge on beasts’ compendium, ranging from Common to Unique beasts.

When they were highschool, it was a main subject, starting they were elementary. As an honor student, consistently at Top 1 and Top 2, they studied proficiently about the beast’s compendium.

For the next three hours, without having been disrupted during their conversation, as the outer disciples were aware that greeting them should be enough, they continued to exchange ideas while Moon and PengPeng played around with each other.

When they were an hour left and silence ensued, a comfort time for them to settle their thoughts, Felix finally recalled what he wanted to ask before.

He asked, "By the way, will you be fighting later? I wasn’t aware that you issued a fight against an inner disciple yesterday."

"I didn’t expect it, either," replied Krisha. "He just went straight challenged me the moment your duel was about to start."

"I see. I didn’t expect his condition on winning, though."

"Yeah. But, I wasn’t surprised. As if he could defeat me." Krisha snorted.

Felix smiled.

They then proceeded to the Beast Sync Arena. Along the way, as expected, they encountered Ben.

Ben was filled with perspiration. His face conveyed how weary he was.

As soon as he saw Felix, his eyes lit up, his face brightened, erasing the exhaustion visible on his face.

He didn’t hesitate to run towards them and directly asked, "Can I interview again, Felix?"

"Later? Do you need it for today? I don’t think I’m free yet."

"Oh, no. I’ll publish it on the weekend, so it’s also possible for tomorrow. My flash news for yesterday was rejected, so it’s fine, I’m not in a rush."

Felix smiled. "Why not a day before the deadline? There’s still battle for me ahead."

"Ah, yeah. That works, too."

His eyes sparkled in excitements.

"Who you will be fighting against? Edward didn’t respond to your challenge despite us provoking him."

Felix and Krisha stared at each other and laughed.

Ben laughed as well, fully aware of the reason.

Felix said, "He didn’t respond because Isaac had probably informed him that he will be the one to fight me later. Are you looking forward to it?"

Ben was taken aback. He was astonished.

He hastily said, stuttering, "O-Of course, I do! Wow! Against Top 5 already. You’re ascending quite rapidly."

Felix chuckled. He didn’t say anything as a response.

Ben said, "I-I won’t be taking much of your time now. Can I spread the news? Others will be surely looking forward to it."

"Sure."

Ben cheered and left enthusiastically.

===

A/N: Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to show your supports by giving golden tickets, powerstones, and reviews! It means a lot since this is participating for WSA.