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The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 27: He will come
Inside the dimly lit abandoned building owned by the Drey Group, Andrew paced back and forth, his fingers twitching with impatience. The place reeked of dust and rust, the air thick with the weight of old secrets and forgotten history. He turned to Nico Drey, who sat calmly on a worn-out chair, legs crossed, watching him with mild amusement.“He’ll come,” Andrew muttered, more to himself than to Nico. “Joaquin won’t ignore this. Not when his sister’s life is on the line.”Nico arched a brow, unconcerned. “And what if he calls the police instead?”Andrew scoffed. “Joaquin? Call the cops? That’s not his style. He’ll come straight here, ready to play the hero.”Nico smirked, tapping his fingers against the armrest. “You sound confident.”Andrew clenched his jaw, his voice laced with something darker—resentment, maybe even hatred. “Because I know him. Joaquin always plays by the rules. He thinks if he fights hard enough, he’ll win. But this time, he’s walking straight into my hands.”Nico
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 28: Desires
Nico walked with slow, measured steps toward the small, dimly lit room at the end of the hallway. His fingers trailed along the peeling paint of the walls, his mind lost in thought. He had agreed to help Andrew, but now that he was here, standing before the heavy metal door that separated him from the girl inside, he realized there was something about this situation that intrigued him more than he expected.With a quiet creak, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.The room was barely furnished—a single bed with a thin mattress, a chair in the corner, and a small window covered in grime. Lying on the bed was Jasmine, still unconscious, her chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. The faint glow from the flickering lightbulb overhead cast shadows across her delicate features.Nico's gaze lingered on her. Even in this state, something was striking about her. He had seen countless women—beautiful, sophisticated, dangerous—but there was something different about Jasmine. Perh
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 29: You will regret this!
Jasmine's screams echoed in the dimly lit room, but they only made Nico and his men laugh. Their cruel chuckles sent shivers down her spine, but she refused to let fear consume her. She struggled against the ropes digging into her wrists, her breath ragged, her heart slamming against her ribs."Let me go!" she yelled, twisting in her restraints, but her plea was met with nothing but amusement.One of Nico's men leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, shaking his head. "She’s got fire, boss. You sure you don’t want to break her spirit a little before handing her off to Joaquin?"Nico smirked, rolling his shoulders as he approached her. His dark eyes gleamed with something vile, something that made her stomach twist in pure disgust."You think you still have a say in anything, sweetheart?" he murmured, crouching before her. He reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering against her skin longer than necessary.Jasmine recoiled, her teeth gritted
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 30: Power Unleashed
Joaquin’s grip tightened around his phone as he sent a quick text to Rick. The message delivered. A small relief. At least someone knew where he was.Beside him, Serena stared at the looming structure ahead, her face tight with worry. The building stood in eerie silence, its shattered windows like gaping mouths, its rusting metal beams exposed like broken bones. The Drey Group owned this place, but now it was nothing more than a playground for criminals like Andrew and Nico.“This is a bad idea,” Serena muttered as she parked the car, gripping the steering wheel. “I should come with you.”“No,” Joaquin said firmly, turning to face her.Serena’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Joaquin, come on—”“If I don’t come out in an hour, call the police,” he interrupted. His tone left no room for argument.Serena clenched her fists, frustration flickering in her eyes. “You don’t even have a weapon.”Joaquin smirked slightly. “I don’t need one.”Before she could protest further, he pushed open
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 31: What are you?
Nico’s breath hitched as he stared at Joaquin, eyes wide with disbelief. The strength Joaquin had displayed—it was unnatural, almost inhuman. His movements were too fast, his strikes too powerful.No… it can’t be.“What… what are you?” Nico rasped, his body trembling. He had heard of warriors who reached the legendary Tiger Rank—those whose strength surpassed ordinary men. But Joaquin?Impossible. He’s just a caregiver!Joaquin smirked, stepping forward. His eyes gleamed with something dangerous.“I’m your end, Nico. Now, bring me my sister.”Nico’s lips curled into a grin, but it was forced, his mind racing for an escape. I can’t fight him head-on. He’s too strong.Without another word, he bolted toward the door at the end of the dim hallway, slamming it open. Inside the cramped, filthy room, Jasmine sat bound to a chair, her head snapping up at the sudden intrusion.Her wide, terrified eyes landed on him, then darted past him, searching for her brother.“Ahh! Let me go!” she cried,
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 32: Stop now
Nico coughed, blood dribbling down the side of his mouth as he struggled to keep his head up. His entire body ached from Joaquin’s brutal blows, and his vision blurred from the pain. But through it all, one question burned in his mind.He lifted his gaze, staring at Joaquin as if seeing him for the first time."You... you’re in the Tiger Ranking, aren’t you?" Nico rasped, his voice weak but laced with desperate curiosity.Joaquin's brows furrowed. "What?""I know... I know the Dragon King," Nico continued, forcing out the words. "And only those in the Tiger Ranking can fight like you."Joaquin’s expression didn’t change. He had no interest in whatever nonsense Nico was spewing."You're lying." Joaquin’s voice was sharp, cutting through the tense air like a blade."I swear—""You think name-dropping some powerful figure will save you?" Joaquin took a slow, menacing step forward. "Nothing will."Panic flickered in Nico’s eyes as Joaquin loomed over him, his fists clenching at his sides.
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 33: Connections
“Ahh! Fuck! Fuck!”Nico lay sprawled on the cold, blood-stained floor, writhing in pain. His breath came in sharp, ragged gasps as he clutched his wounded hand, his fingers slick with his own blood. His once-pristine clothes were now drenched in sweat and grime, his face contorted in agony.Joaquin sat on the floor nearby, his arms wrapped tightly around Jasmine. She trembled against him, her small frame still shaken from the ordeal.Joaquin held her close, his grip firm but gentle, as if reassuring himself that she was truly safe now.A pair of heavy boots echoed through the abandoned building. Joaquin looked up and let out a slow sigh of relief.Rick stood in the doorway, hands in his pockets, surveying the scene with a smirk. “It’s okay now,” Joaquin murmured to his sister, his voice steady despite the adrenaline still coursing through his veins.Rick stepped forward, his sharp gaze landing on Nico. He crouched beside the wounded man, his smirk widening. “I couldn’t just sit bac
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 34: The Aftermath
The dim glow of the apartment’s warm lights cast long shadows on the walls as Joaquin poured himself a glass of water. His hands still trembled slightly, the adrenaline from earlier refusing to fully fade. Across from him, Serena sat on the couch, her arms crossed as she observed him in silence.Jasmine had already gone to bed, exhausted from everything that had happened. Joaquin had checked on her twice, making sure she was truly asleep before finally allowing himself to breathe.He leaned against the kitchen counter, running a hand down his face before exhaling a long sigh. “I still can’t believe it’s over,” he muttered.Serena arched a brow. “Is it?”Joaquin looked at her, his grip tightening around the glass. He knew what she meant. Rick’s words echoed in his head: Save the Dragon King.He had no idea how he could do it. They still yet have to find a cure for his illness. Serena tilted her head. “You look like you have a lot on your mind.”Joaquin let out a dry chuckle. “When
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Chapter 228: A Call for help
Joaquin’s shoulders sagged heavily as he walked into the house.Every step felt heavier than the last.He didn’t want to leave Serena’s side—not when her life was still hanging by a thread.But he knew he had no choice.He needed rest if he was going to save her.He needed strength.And most of all, he needed answers.Because he knew deep in his bones that the cure for Serena’s condition wouldn’t be found in any hospital.Not in any book.Not in any medicine known to man.This—whatever had poisoned Serena—was something far more ancient.As soon as he entered his room, he didn’t waste a second.He locked the door and bolted the windows, making sure no one could disturb him.The familiar smell of home barely registered in his nose.All he could think about was her.Her pale face.Her weakening heartbeat.Her soft voice called his name before she slipped into unconsciousness.He pushed the memory away and dropped to the floor, sitting cross-legged right in the center of the room.The air
Chapter 227: The Surgery
The doors slammed shut behind Joaquin.For a moment, the world outside disappeared—and it was just him, Serena, and the fight that was about to begin.He quickly scrubbed in, his hands trembling slightly—not from fear, but from the overwhelming weight of what was at stake.You can do this, he told himself, breathing deeply, steadying his hands.He approached Serena's operating table.She looked so fragile, lying there under the harsh surgical lights, her face pale and still, her breathing shallow and strained."You’re going to be okay, love," Joaquin whispered under his breath."I’ll bring you back. I promise."The nurses around him moved efficiently, handing him tools, monitoring Serena’s vitals.Joaquin gave quick, sharp instructions, falling into the rhythm of a surgeon—focused, precise, merciless against the enemy threatening his beloved.But the moment he made the first incision and peeled back the damaged tissue, his heart stopped.What he saw wasn't something any textbook had p
Chapter 226: Trust
The ambulance ride to Villareal Medical Hospital was a blur.Joaquin stayed by Serena’s side the entire time, holding her hand tightly, refusing to let go even for a second. The paramedics tried to assure him that she was stable, but for Joaquin, nothing was certain until he saw her open her eyes and smile again."Just a little more, love," he whispered under his breath. "Stay with me."When they arrived at VMH, the hospital staff, already alerted by Dr. Reyes, rushed Serena straight into the diagnostic wing. Joaquin followed closely behind, barking rapid instructions to the doctors like a man possessed."Full-body MRI. Prioritize her brain scan. Blood work. Everything. Move!"No one dared question him.Inside the emergency room, the machines buzzed to life.Joaquin watched through the glass as Serena was carefully prepped.Each beep from the monitors sent a spike of fear through his chest.A few minutes later, Dr. Ramirez, one of VMH’s senior neurologists, approached him."Dr. Lope
Chapter 225: Sick
"Serena!"Joaquin rushed to her side without wasting a second.He scooped her up carefully and checked her condition.She was unconscious—but there was still a pulse."Serena, wake up!" he pleaded, gently tapping her cheek."My daughter!"Emilio suddenly appeared, hurrying toward them."You! Let her go!" he shouted, his voice laced with fury.But Joaquin didn’t even flinch.His throat tightened when he realized how faint her pulse was.Without hesitation, he pulled her closer and tried to leave——but Emilio and several of his bodyguards blocked his path."Where do you think you’re going?! Are you trying to kidnap her in broad daylight?!" Emilio barked, disbelief clear in his voice."She’s weak! She needs to be taken to a hospital!" Joaquin shot back.James stepped between them, arms spread as if shielding Serena."No! If she’s really sick, I’ll be the one to take her!" he insisted.Joaquin tightened his hold on Serena, feeling the panic and rage brewing inside him."We don't have time
Chapter 224: The Wedding
Joaquin had just arrived home after the competition.He hadn’t even stepped fully inside when Jasmine rushed out to meet him."Joaquin! Thank goodness you're finally back!" Jasmine cried, her voice tight with worry.Her face was pale, anxious, her hands wringing the hem of her shirt.Joaquin’s brow furrowed immediately."What's wrong? Did something happen?"Jasmine hesitated, glancing away, struggling to find the words."It's Serena, Joaquin," she said quietly. "I’m afraid... we’re out of time."At the mention of Serena’s name, Joaquin’s heart started pounding violently against his chest. His instincts kicked in, his mind already racing."What? What happened? Is she okay?" he demanded.Jasmine dropped onto the sofa, burying her face in her hands for a moment before taking a long, shaky breath."Earlier today, Mikyla came here. I thought she was just here to cause trouble again, but no. She was frantic—panicking even—because she said she couldn't reach you. She told me... Serena’s wedd
Chapter 223: The Serpent
The air backstage was thick with sweat, blood, and tension.Joaquin moved with slow, deliberate steps, the cheers of the crowd still ringing in his ears. Every muscle in his body ached. His knuckles were split and bruised. His ribs burned with every breath. But none of that mattered. Not now.He hadn't forgotten.He couldn't forget.This fight was never just about the championship.It was about justice.It was about Master Iroh.Her sister, Jasmine.And George Beckham still had answers he hadn’t given.Miguel and Rick tried to steer him toward the locker rooms, but Joaquin shook them off with a tight jerk of his head.There was something he needed to do first."Give me a minute," he said, voice rough.Miguel frowned. "Joaquin—""I won't kill him," Joaquin said flatly. "Just talk."Miguel hesitated, then finally nodded. Rick crossed his arms, staying close but silent.George had just been hauled off the arena floor by two of his lackeys, limping heavily toward the private medical room
Chapter 222: The Winner
The morning of the final round arrived like a heavy storm.The city felt different—quieter, heavier—like the whole world was holding its breath.Joaquin woke before dawn, the restless energy inside him too much to ignoreHe barely touched his breakfast.He barely spoke a word.Rick came to pick him up, his usual casual grin replaced by a tense frown.Even Miguel, who rarely showed nerves, seemed heavier somehow, his presence more guarded.They knew.Everyone knew.This wasn’t just a fight.It was a war for everything Joaquin had left."You ready?" Rick asked as they drove toward the underground arena.Joaquin nodded once, his jaw tight.He didn’t trust himself to speak.Because the truth was—He wasn’t just ready.He was desperate.Desperate to win.Desperate to save Serena.Desperate to take back everything that had been stolen from them.The arena buzzed with anticipation.Spectators filled the stands, shouting and cheering as the final match of the Blue Tiger Ranking Competition wa
Chapter 221: Begging
The next few days flew by in a blur.Joaquin trained harder than he ever had before.He knew he had to focus on his training first, before he could go back to Serena.He was still worried—God, he was always worried—but he had to set it aside for now.If he wanted to get her back, he needed to win. He needed to be strong enough.Under Miguel’s sharp and relentless supervision, Joaquin sparred daily with Rick, working on his speed, his reflexes, and his technique.He pushed himself past exhaustion, past the ache in his muscles, until the only thing left was pure willpower.And there was something else—something strange inside him.That strange energy, that force he barely understood, was growing.It seemed to answer to his emotions, flaring to life whenever he thought of Serena, whenever he imagined her lost and confused, married off to a man she didn't even love.The stronger his resolve became, the stronger the energy surged inside him, crackling just beneath the surface of his skin.
Chapter 220: Doubts
Tears welled up in Joaquin’s eyes as he stood there, helpless and heartbroken.He watched Serena, who looked at him with both confusion and wariness.He couldn't blame her.After all, the people around her must have filled her head with lies while she was vulnerable.With a heavy heart, Joaquin turned away, clenching his fists tightly at his sides.He took one last look at her, memorizing her face — the face he loved more than anything else — and silently made a vow to himself."I’ll bring you back to me," he whispered under his breath, so softly that even Serena couldn’t hear him.When he stepped out of the room, Mikyla was waiting for him in the hallway, arms crossed and an unreadable expression on her face."How did it go?" she asked quietly.Joaquin shook his head, struggling to steady his voice."She doesn't remember me," he said hoarsely. "They already brainwashed her. She thinks she's engaged to James."Mikyla pressed her lips into a thin line, guilt flickering across her featu
