Joaquin had just stepped out of the hospital when his phone buzzed in his coat pocket. He barely glanced at the screen before answering.“Mr. Smith, do you—”"Joaquin, we have a problem," Rick’s voice was tight with urgency, cutting straight to the point. "I need you at Mr. Suarez's house. Now. Our driver is on the way to pick you up."Joaquin straightened, sensing the tension in Rick’s voice. He wasn’t the type to panic.“What happened?”“Just get here. Now.”Joaquin didn’t waste another second.“I’m on my way.”The moment the call ended, a black sedan pulled up in front of him. Without hesitation, he slid into the backseat.—The drive to the Suarez estate was a blur of headlights and adrenaline.Joaquin barely registered the city streets flashing past as he clenched his fists, mind racing. The bloodletting should have bought Miguel more time, at least a week. It had only been a few days, and yet… his condition had worsened.Something wasn’t right.By the time they reached the tower

Joaquin arrived at the Suarez estate just as dawn painted the sky in hues of deep orange and gray.But something felt off.As he made his way toward the grand entrance, his sharp eyes immediately caught sight of a familiar figure standing near the marble steps—Mr. Alvarez.The old man was speaking in a low, insistent tone to Rick, his presence unwelcome yet demanding attention.Even from a distance, Joaquin could see the sharp glint in Antonio’s eyes, the way his jaw was set in stubborn determination.Joaquin’s steps slowed slightly as he took in the scene.Rick’s expression was tight as he responded, his arms crossed over his chest in a clear show of defiance.The conversation wasn’t going well.Joaquin walked toward them, his footsteps echoing against the polished stone pathway.Rick noticed him first and immediately gestured him over.“Joaquin,” Rick called, his tone clipped. “You’re just in time.”Antonio turned, his sharp gaze landing on Joaquin with something between curiosity a

The grand temple loomed before them, its towering pillars etched with ancient symbols that whispered secrets of a time long past. Snow clung to its tiled roof, glistening under the dim glow of lanterns hanging along the stone pathway. The monks who had saved them now led Joaquin and Cedrick toward the entrance, their footsteps nearly silent despite the thick layer of frost.Joaquin exhaled, watching his breath swirl in the cold air. The journey had been brutal, his body aching from the battle on the mountain. But he had no time to rest—not when the Dragon King’s life hung in the balance.Cedrick glanced around, his fingers twitching near his weapons, still wary despite their escort. “Damn, this place looks straight out of a legend.”Joaquin remained silent. It wasn’t just the temple that felt ancient. It was the energy here—thick with history and power. He could feel it in his bones.The heavy wooden doors creaked open, revealing a vast hall bathed in golden candlelight. Incense curle

Joaquin and Cedrick returned to Suarez’s manor under the veil of night, their footsteps muffled against the stone pathways leading to the grand entrance. The weight of exhaustion hung over them, but urgency kept them upright. They had no time to waste.The moment they stepped inside, Rick was already there, waiting, his arms crossed over his chest. His sharp eyes darted between them, reading their expressions.“Well?” Rick asked, voice clipped. “What’s the situation?”Joaquin let out a breath, running a hand through his sweat-dampened hair. For the first time in a long while, he had something close to good news.“We found a way to help him,” Joaquin said, a small, triumphant smile tugging at his lips. “Shinran taught me acupuncture techniques that can slow the poison’s effects.”Rick’s tense posture barely eased. “Slow it? Not cure it?”Joaquin’s jaw tightened. “Not yet. But it’ll buy us time until we figure out how to remove the curse completely.”Rick exhaled sharply, nodding once

Joaquin arrived at the hospital early the next morning, his steps heavy with exhaustion.He barely got any sleep last night. His mind had been restless, haunted by everything that had happened.Jasmine’s strange behavior still nagged at him, a constant itch he couldn’t scratch. And then there was Miguel—his condition was getting worse, and time was running out.As Joaquin entered the hospital, a sharp, venom-laced voice cut through the hallway.“Well, well, well. Look who’s still acting all high and mighty.”Joaquin sighed, already knowing who it was before he even turned around.Mikyla stood a few steps away, arms crossed over her chest, a smug