The Rise of a Master It Starts With Rejection novel Chapter 1019

Felix noticed that the oppressive darkness around him seemed to thin ever so slightly. It was such a subtle change that an ordinary person would not have sensed it, but with his heightened awareness, he picked up on it immediately.

"Finally, some progress. Let's keep going," he muttered to himself, determination flaring in his eyes.

…

Time passed, and three months slipped by in the outside world. The frenzy surrounding Harmony Clinic's bounty on the Maximus family began to die down. Despite the massive search effort, no one could find any trace of them. It was as if they had vanished into thin air.

Rumors circulated that the Maximus family might have fled to the capital. After all, how else could they avoid being discovered by so many skilled trackers? Regardless of the speculation, Deborah's health rapidly deteriorated.

The loss of her beloved apprentice, coupled with her inability to avenge him, had broken her spirit. Bern personally diagnosed her condition and could only sigh in frustration.

"It's an emotional wound," he explained. "No medicine can cure this. If she doesn't overcome it herself, she might not last a year."

With Deborah bedridden, Harmony Clinic fell into disarray. The production of advanced pills slowed drastically, and no one had found a way to reverse the decline.

One day, under the scorching sun, Felix opened his eyes inside Echo Cavern. The final traces of darkness had completely disappeared, and he could see his surroundings clearly for the first time.

It was an enormous cave with a barren, rocky floor. The scattered stones reminded him of a massive public square, almost as large as one in the capital. There were no decorations or furniture—just vast, empty space.

Felix also noticed that the oppressive sound had stopped attacking his soul. The Dragonspine fragments within him had ceased vibrating, signaling that the sound no longer had any power over him.

"Does this mean I can finally get out of here?" he wondered aloud.

Looking around, Felix saw no exits. He approached one of the cavern walls and struck it with his fist. There was no sound, no damage—just an eerie, unsettling silence.