The next day, Deborah entered the private chamber where Felix was staying.

"Atlas has left," she said.

Felix was taken aback. "So quickly?"

In the end, he couldn't avoid explaining why he'd holed up in the chamber. It felt wrong to keep hiding it when things had reached this point.

"It wasn't supposed to happen this fast," Deborah said. "But that old fox, Bern, pulled a move that forced Atlas to leave."

She sat down, her eyes filled with a gentle fondness. "Don't you think it's time you told me the real reason you're avoiding Atlas?"

Felix had prepared his answer long ago. "To be honest, Madam Goddard, I'm originally from the capital. My mentor noticed my talent for alchemy and sent me here to Martial City to further my skills."

Deborah chuckled knowingly. "You sly one! Did you think I couldn't figure that out? It's better to tell the truth. Only then can we truly be mentor and apprentice."

Her words didn't surprise Felix. After all, Deborah was a seasoned figure in Martial Cit