Dr. Orchis leaned forward, eyes gleaming with admiration as he regarded Nathan. “You are no ordinary physician,” he said firmly. “Your skills surpass most in this field, and I strongly suggest you participate in the upcoming medical conference . It’s the perfect stage for you. You could compete for the medical association president.”Nathan tilted his head slightly, considering the suggestion. “I was already planning to attend,” he admitted. “But I have no interest in titles. I only seek the rare herbs that may appear there.”Dr. Orchis exhaled heavily, shaking his head. “Then you may be at a disadvantage, my friend. Only the president of the medical association gets first pick of the herbs. If that is truly your goal, you may have no choice but to compete for the title.”Nathan’s expression remained unreadable, but he tapped a finger against the table in thought. He hadn’t considered that factor.“Besides,” Dr. Orchis continued, lowering his voice slightly, “you won’t be the only one

Inside the opulent hall, chandeliers bathed the room in golden light, reflecting off polished floors and expensive glassware. The air carried the scent of fine wine, aged books, and the faint sterility of antiseptics. The attendees—renowned doctors from Dunhaven, Westvale, Grimshaw, and beyond—moved in circles, discussing medical breakthroughs and their prestigious apprentices. Their voices overlapped, blending into a hum of self-importance.Nathan entered with a casual yet commanding presence. Though his attire was simple, his aura drew attention. Some glanced at him with curiosity, others with subtle disdain.A familiar voice called out.“Nathan! There you are.”Doctor Orchis approached, his face lighting up with genuine delight. Without hesitation, he clapped Nathan on the back and led him further into the hall.“Ladies and gentlemen,” Orchis announced, his voice cutting through the murmurs. The room quieted as heads turned. “Allow me to introduce a man of remarkable talent—Nathan

Frank stood tall, surveying the room with a smirk. Seeing no one move, he gave a slow, satisfied nod.“No objections, right?” His voice echoed, dripping with arrogance. “I expected as much.”The crowd remained silent, some lowering their gazes in hesitation. Fear had wrapped itself around the room like an unshakable curse.But then, a scoff cut through the tension.Nathan, arms crossed, let out a short laugh. “Dominance through fear? How original.” His voice was laced with sarcasm, his expression unreadable.Heads turned toward him in shock. The doctors who had been paralyzed by Frank’s influence now stared at Nathan as if he had just signed his death sentence.Frank’s eyes snapped to him, narrowing slightly. For a moment, silence stretched between them. Then, with a quiet crack of his nose, Frank simply smiled.“And who might you be?” he asked, though his tone carried no real interest. He then waved a dismissive hand. “Never mind. A nobody doesn’t deserve my attention.”Nathan raised

Frank turned, his sharp gaze locking onto Nathan. But unlike the others, Nathan met his stare with unflinching resolve, his expression calm, unreadable.For the first time that evening, Frank’s smirk wavered. But then, he chuckled, lips curling into an amused grin. “Well, well.” His voice dripped with condescension. “This should be interesting. But are you sure you want to risk your life, young man?”Nathan remained unmoved. “Let’s just see how it goes.” His voice was steady, carrying a quiet confidence that unsettled those watching.The room erupted into chaos.“He’s insane!”“Nathan or whatever they call him isn’t even a prominent doctor, talkless of a warrior!”“Does he have a death wish?”Robert leaned closer to Dr. Orchis, shaking his head. “That boy is as stiff-headed as a tortoise. But you know what happens to a tortoise before it can slip back into its shell?” He made a slicing motion across his neck. “It gets its head cut off.”Dr. Orchis grimaced but said nothing.Kacper sco

Among the sea of people, Dr. Orchis stood with misty eyes, overwhelmed with pride. His hands clenched into fists, his heart swelling with admiration.Taylor, slightly trembling from the near-death experience, stepped forward. Her gaze met Nathan’s, gratitude brimming in her eyes.“You saved my life,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “I don’t even know how to thank you.”Nathan simply smiled, his gaze steady and reassuring. “You don’t have to. You’re safe now—that’s all that matters.”Her breath hitched at his words. She had expected some grand response, but his sincerity left her speechless.At that moment, Nathan wasn’t just the man who had won the duel—he was the man who had earned their utmost respect.Dr. Orchis took a deep breath before stepping forward, his voice ringing with conviction.“I have never been prouder,” he declared. “And now, I have no hesitation in saying this—I am honored to be your student, Nathan.”A murmur rippled through the crowd, but unlike befor