“Alicia, the person you’re seeking is a highly skilled mystic artist with formidable powers and used cunning methods. You need to be careful,” Grace warned.
“Don’t worry. The Celestial Alliance has extensive surveillance and a team of elite fighters. Once we find his whereabouts, we’ll mobilize and capture him. He won’t slip away,” Aurora assured confidently.
“You’ve already saved my life, Faith. So, you don’t need to stress about capturing the perpetrator,” Alicia said with a smile.
“Looks like I’ve been worrying too much.” Grace nodded, acknowledging their abilities.
The Celestial Alliance wasn’t to be underestimated. Once they gathered their elite fighters, capturing a mystic artist should be relatively easy. Even the Hall of Gods wouldn’t dare to confront them head-on in Dragonmarsh.
“Dr. Rhys, you saved my life. I should properly thank you. What can I do to repay you?” Alicia asked.
She disliked being indebted to anyone. But since Dustin had saved her, she felt obligated to repay him generously.
“You don’t have to thank me. If anyone deserves gratitude, it’s Faith. I don’t need any reward,” Dustin replied.
“Okay. Since we’re all friends, there’s no need for formality. If you want to show your appreciation, just treat us to a meal. I’m starving,” Grace said with a smile.
“Alright. Let’s enjoy a meal together,” Alicia agreed.
Then, she turned to Aurora. “Please tell Martha to prepare a lavish dinner and bring out the finest wine from our collection. We’re hosting special guests tonight.”
“No problem,” Aurora replied and promptly left the room.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, night descended. A luminous full moon illuminated the sky, casting a silver sheen over the lake.
Lights illuminated every corner of the villa, and the housekeepers bustled about. In less than an hour, a spread of fine wines and dishes were laid out on the table.
Dustin and Grace were offered the seats of honor, while Kenan had already departed from the villa in embarrassment.
“Here’s to you, Dr. Rhys and Faith,” Alicia said enthusiastically. She poured wine for everyone before standing up and raising her glass in a toast.
“You’ve only just recovered, and it’s not wise for you to drink,” Dustin stated firmly.
“Huh?” She paused and hesitantly asked, “Not even a small amount?”
“No.” He shook his head.
“But…” Alicia was speechless. She loved drinking, particularly with close friends, and the thought of not having a few drinks was torturous.
“Come on, Alicia. Dr. Rhys is right. It’s not the best time for alcohol with your health. How about some tea instead?” Aurora signaled for a pot of tea to be brought over and reached for Alicia’s wine glass.
Despite Aurora’s attempts, Alicia held onto her glass firmly and looked reluctant. “I won’t drink it, but can’t I just keep it nearby to savor the aroma?”
“Why put yourself through this?” Aurora rolled her eyes. “I know how much you enjoy drinking. Just smelling it will only intensify your cravings. You’ll eventually give in.”
“Alicia, your health should come first. There will be many opportunities to drink in the future,” Grace chimed in with a smile as she tried to persuade her.
“Well, okay…” Alicia relented. With that, she set down her wine glass and reached for her tea cup.
The tea had an exquisite aroma and richness that hinted at its premium quality. However, despite its apparent quality, it tasted dull to her palate. Plus, the inability to indulge in the wine before her seemed like torture.
While observing her sister, Aurora tactfully changed the topic. “Dr. Rhys, you possess such impressive medical skills at such a young age. Have you ever considered joining our faction?” Aurora asked.
“I’m more of a free spirit and prefer to chart my own course. I don’t have any intentions of joining any particular faction.” Dustin shook his head and declined politely.
“But we have a lot to offer. Joining us would ensure you’re well-supported. Wouldn’t you reconsider?” Aurora insisted.
“Yes, Dr. Rhys. Your talents would be a valuable addition to our faction. Should you be interested, I can offer you a consulting position,” Alicia proposed.
“What? A consultant?” Brian finally spoke up. “Alicia, are you serious? A consultant in the Celestial Alliance holds almost as much power as an elder. Does this kid truly warrant such a position?”
Brian had only reached the status of principal disciple. While he held some authority, it was nothing compared to a consultant’s. He couldn’t accept Dustin becoming the Celestial Alliance’s consultant.
“Why not?” Alicia responded firmly. ” You’ve witnessed Dr. Rhys’s prowess in medicine. Even Dr. Quake acknowledges his superiority.
“Besides, Dr. Rhys is exceptionally young with boundless potential. A medical prodigy like him is precisely what our faction requires. Granting him the status of the consultant is entirely fitting.”
“I beg to differ,” Brian argued.
He continued, “Our faction has always valued strength above all. This kid’s expertise lies solely in medicine, and he doesn’t fit the criteria of a consultant. If word of this gets out, it’ll be met with widespread disapproval.”
