Chapter Twenty-TwoMr. Morritis slowly shifted against the pillows. His strength had not yet returned, but his voice, though hoarse, carried its usual authority. “Adrian,” he began, his eyes fixing on the young man, “there is something you should know.” The entire family turned toward him. Catherine’s father, mother, and cousin straightened, their curiosity piqued. The doctors who lingered at the edge of the room leaned in as well. The old man’s gaze was steady, unwavering. “I am not merely the head of this family. I also serve as the president of the City Medical Association.” The words fell heavily into the air. “The… president?” Catherine repeated, startled. She had grown up admiring her grandfather, but even she had not realized the full weight of his position. Her father frowned slightly. “Father, you’ve never spoken about this publicly. Why reveal it now?” “Because,” Mr. Morritis replied, his tone solemn, “it matters. In three days, the Association will be hosting its ann

The hall had never been this quiet. After Adrian’s defiant words—“Your judgment means nothing to me”—the entire gathering held its breath.Dr. Lander’s face was dark as thunderclouds. His reputation, his authority, his pride—everything had been challenged before hundreds of witnesses. If he didn’t crush Adrian here, his name would become a laughingstock.The presiding elder cleared his throat, his voice booming over the crowd. “This is the Medical Conference, not a marketplace for insults. If grievances exist, they shall be resolved by the traditional method.”A ripple went through the crowd.“The medical duel…” someone whispered.Adrian’s brows lifted slightly. He had read of such things in the knowledge granted by the ring, but this was his first time seeing one firsthand.Dr. Lander turned, his voice cutting like a blade. “Then let it be a duel. Before this entire assembly, we shall test our skill and prove who truly understands medicine.”His disciples erupted in cheers. “Master w

Chapter Twenty-SixDr. Lander’s chest heaved as though every breath scraped his pride raw. His patient had nearly choked under his so-called “proven method,” while Adrian’s patient had stabilized in minutes. The shame of it burned deeper than fire.And yet, the hall was still unsettled.Murmurs swelled like a tide returning to shore.“It was too quick…”“No illness can be solved in mere minutes.”“He used… what, ginger and needles? That’s not medicine—that’s sorcery.”“What if the man collapses tomorrow? What if the side effects kill him?”The voices twisted into one another, doubt spreading like a plague.Dr. Lander seized on it, sitting up straighter, his expression hard. His voice carried clearly across the hall. “Exactly so. A temporary trick! If you fools are so easily dazzled, then you’ve forgotten what medicine truly is. What he did was not healing—it was superstition dressed as skill.”The crowd stirred, emboldened by his words. Heads nodded. The certainty of Adrian’s victory

Chapter Twenty-EightThe air in the Grand Assembly Hall grew taut, every whisper sharp enough to cut through silence. Elder Vaughn, still standing at the center, looked from Adrian to the presiding elder, his expression grave yet curious—as though weighing something ancient against the present moment.“Since the boy refuses to speak,” Elder Vaughn said finally, his tone slow, deliberate, and heavy with authority, “there is another way to uncover the truth.”The murmur of the crowd thickened instantly.“What way?”“Elder Vaughn knows something…”“If anyone can reveal it, it’s him!”Elder Vaughn turned toward the presiding elder. “With your permission, I shall conduct a verification—a spiritual test that exposes the nature of one’s power. We will see, before all witnesses, whether this youth carries the Charleston bloodline… or wields forbidden sorcery.”The presiding elder hesitated. “Elder Vaughn… that is a dangerous practice. Are you certain—”But Vaughn cut him off with a flick of h

Chapter ThirtyThe great symposium resumed at last.The tension that had hovered over the hall like a storm had finally eased, though faint ripples of curiosity still danced through the crowd. After everything that had transpired—the duel, the test, the blue light that defied history—everyone waited with sharpened attention for what Adrian would do next.Tables had been rearranged at the center of the grand hall, lined with rows of crystal jars, sealed vials, and trays of fresh herbs and rare roots. The air was thick with fragrance—earthy, sharp, and faintly bitter. The servants moved carefully, setting each specimen in its proper place while the presiding elder explained the purpose of the exhibition.“This,” the elder announced, “is the night’s scholarly exchange—the unveiling of new herbs and elements discovered across the regions. Some are documented, others remain unclassified. Tonight, we discuss their nature and possible uses.”Elder Vaughn sat to one side, watching quietly, ar