After parting ways with Stell, Felix gazed at the bright sky while exiting the pagoda. The sun's rays warmed his face as he pondered his plans for the rest of the day.
Even though he had mentioned going to a secluded spot for training, he hadn't meant it literally. His intention was merely to exert some pressure on Stell.
To be completely honest, Felix found the idea of training rather dull. Nevertheless, he was determined not to let Stell catch up too easily.
"It's no fun that way." He smirked as he imagined a super ultra-cool battle with Stell.
Then, deciding to procrastinate as much as he could, he walked around the city before he got an idea.
'Tomorrow is the big fight, isn't it? But what's the point of a significant battle without an audience?' He chuckled inwardly, contemplating Stell's potential reactions. Would he feel embarrassed? Delighted? Felix was eager to discover.
With a happy grin, he strolled to the tavern. The atmosphere in the city was gradually calming down, with people accepting their new circumstances and trying to survive.
Felix wasn't sure whether it was because of the approaching deadline of the first game or because they just gradually accepted it with time.
'Maybe it's both.' He casually strolled as he curiously looked around the city in the hope of finding anything interesting.
Unfortunately, Felix reached the tavern without any interesting events. Still, he wasn't dejected as he was about to start something interesting himself.
With a smile, he entered the tavern, looking around while walking to the bartender. He saw many new and old drunkards. However, what caught his eye was the emblem with a sword and a rose.
The last time he was in the tavern, he didn't pay it any attention, but seeing the same emblem on the shoulders of some customers was notice worthy.
Happy that he might have peeked into some secret, he came to the bartender, giving him a gold coin.
"Aren't you a rich young man?" The bartender smiled as he took the gold coin and gave a standard beer to Felix. Not even glancing at it, Felix smiled in response.
"I just earned a second place in a really rewarding game. I won't have to worry about money for a long time."
Bartender gave Felix a curious glance before asking. "What brings you here today?"
Felix gave him his signature grin. "I want to advertise a fight again."
The bartender looked at Felix oddly before laughing. "Our boss wants to meet you."
Felix was slightly taken aback by the invitation. Noticing that, the bartender quickly added. "Don't worry. You don't have to. He won't know of your identity."
'Yeah, right.' Felix thought as he nodded. "I'll meet him. It sounds intriguing."
"Then follow me." the bartender said, stepping away from the table and opening a door behind him. He gestured for Felix to follow.
Felix looked curiously at the empty table, wondering what would happen if a new customer appeared. Then, with a smile, he followed behind the bartender.
After climbing to the first floor, the bartender knocked on a wooden door before the person inside let them in.
Opening the door, the bartender let Felix enter before descending the stairs, returning to his table.
Upon entering the room, Felix encountered a young man who appeared visibly younger than himself, likely around sixteen or fifteen years old.
With dark-blue hair, a fit body, and a casual red-black t-shirt and pants, the young man looked handsome.
Felix smiled at the sight, studying the young man. At the same time, the young man smiled as he studied Felix.
After a moment, the young man spoke up. "So, you're the one who used a Low-Tier Rare Rank achievement for advertising, huh?"
"And I am also a guy who will spend a Mid-Tier one." Felix grinned as he answered.
"Oh?" The young man's curiosity was piqued as he asked Felix. "Advertisement?"
After receiving a nod from Felix, he couldn't help but laugh. "Why spend so much on random advertisements? Do you want to be famous?"
Felix laughed together with the young man. "No. It's just more fun." His response earned him an even louder laugh from the young man.
"Fun, you say? Indeed, it's more fun." The young man grinned as he continued. "Consider it done. Is it another Death Arena fight?"
"It is. This time, it's a two-on-two fight. I'd say that it's going to be even more interesting than the last one."
"Oh? Well, that would be quite a sight to see. I may even come myself." The young man was interested in a high-level fight and figures. His tavern dealt with information, and it would be a shame if the boss himself wasn't involved.
"I am Rey, the owner of this humble establishment." The young boss introduced himself.
"I am Felix." Felix didn't elaborate on his identity, unsure how he could even describe himself.
"So, Felix, I have an interesting idea."
"Hm?" Felix looked curiously at Rey, his attention piqued at the word interesting.
"How about we set up betting? It might net as a small profit." Rey asked Felix for his opinion.
"Why don't you do it yourself?" Felix furrowed his eyebrows slightly.
"Sometimes, friendship is more important than small profit." Rey laughed, prompting a laugh from Felix as well.
"I'm liking you more and more." Felix responded, offering Rey a thumbs-up.
"So, how about this..." Rey began explaining his plan while Felix added his own opinion from time to time.
After they decided on the betting plan, Felix looked at Rey curiously. "You are an exile, right? How did you make a successful business so quickly?"
"Trade secret." Rey laughed. After short chatter, Felix left the room.
Rey sat in silence for ten minutes, thinking. After some time, he said aloud. "What do you think? Can he be trusted?"
A voice in the dark could be heard. "He looks intriguing. However, his confidence leaves me wary. You shouldn't lower your guard for the time being."
"I won't." Rey nodded as he looked at his own shadow. "However, some risks need to be taken. This city will probably be doomed otherwise. I need to make powerful allies as fast as possible."
"Wise words, young master." The shadow's words echoed in the room.
"I just hope that the information network will prove sufficient. I can't do it alone." Rey shook his head, sighing.
"Young master, a hero needs his party. The previous fight was intriguing, and the young man with Sword Intent looks like he might be of use. Even his opponent seemed powerful, albeit inexperienced.
"Indeed. I hope that they will be enough to avert the disaster that will soon come."