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The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 43: Who did this?
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 Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 44: Journey to the Snow Mountain
Jasmine stood before the massive wrought-iron gates, her heart pounding in her chest. Thirty-five years. Thirty-five long years since she had last set foot here since she had walked away and vowed never to return. And yet, here she was.The mansion beyond the gate loomed in the dim morning light, its towering silhouette just as imposing as she remembered. Time had not softened its grandeur—if anything, it had grown more formidable, standing like an unshaken titan against the passing years. The air was thick with the scent of old earth and blooming jasmine, and for a brief moment, the familiarity of it all nearly made her turn back.But she couldn’t.Not when Joaquin was in danger.Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the heavy gates, the iron groaning under the weight of time and neglect. The gravel crunched beneath her boots as she made her way up the long, winding path toward the main house. Her hands trembled slightly, but she clenched them into fists, willing herself to stay
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 45: The Monk
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
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 46: Acupuncture
Joaquin sat cross-legged on the wooden floor of the temple chamber, his muscles aching from the earlier fight, his breath still uneven. Across from him, Shinran Jack remained motionless, his expression unreadable. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the walls, the scent of burning incense thick in the air.“Tell me,” Shinran finally said, his voice calm but firm. “What exactly is the Dragon King’s condition?”Joaquin clenched his jaw, gathering his thoughts.“He’s dying,” he said, his voice rough with exhaustion. “The snake venom poisons him. It runs through his veins, and no one—not even the best healers—knows how to counter it. I’ve managed to buy him some time with bloodletting, but just yesterday, the symptoms worsened again. It’s accelerating.”Shinran remained silent for a moment, his fingers tapping lightly against his knee. His deep, thoughtful gaze settled on Joaquin.“Describe the symptoms.”Joaquin exhaled sharply.“At first, it seemed like a normal poisoning—f
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 47: Successful
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
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 48: Danger coming
Joaquin pushed open the door to his home, rolling his shoulders to ease the tension that had settled in his muscles after the long journey. The place was quiet—too quiet.Then he saw Jasmine.She stood near the window, arms crossed, staring outside as if lost in thought. The dim lantern light beside her cast a soft glow on her face, accentuating the dark circles beneath her eyes.Joaquin frowned. Something felt… off.At the sound of the door closing behind him, she turned and immediately forced a smile.“You’re back.”Joaquin raised a brow. “So are you.”Jasmine hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding. “Yeah. My errand’s done.”He studied her carefully. There was something in her voice, something guarded.Joaquin walked over to the couch, set his bag down, and sank into the chair with a sigh. “What happened?”Jasmine blinked, and for a brief moment, he saw it—the flicker of uncertainty in her gaze. But just as quickly, she masked it with another small, forced smile.“It wa
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 49: Leave of Absence
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
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 50: Meeting the Boss
The gala was exactly what Joaquin expected—grand, extravagant, and full of people who cared more about appearances than anything else.Towering chandeliers bathed the ballroom in a golden glow, and the polished marble floor reflected the light like a mirror. Waiters moved effortlessly between guests, carrying trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres, while a classical quartet played in the background, setting the mood for the evening.Joaquin exhaled as he adjusted the stiff collar of his suit.It was his first time attending an event like this. If it weren’t for Andrea practically dragging him here, he wouldn’t have come at all.Andrea, on the other hand, fit in effortlessly.Dressed in a sleek, off-the-
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Chapter 230: Saved
“Wait for me, Serena.”Joaquin gripped the vial tightly—the essence of the Noctis Bloom.He didn’t waste another second. With urgency in every step, he sprinted out of the Forbidden Grove and drove straight to the hospital.The moment he arrived, he headed directly to Serena’s room.“Joaquin?! Where the hell have you been?!” Emilio barked the moment Joaquin entered. “You said you’d save my daughter!”Joaquin took a deep breath, his chest still heaving from the long journey.His eyes immediately searched for Serena—still unconscious, still pale on the hospital bed.James was seated on the couch nearby, arms crossed and eyes cold. Andrew and Mikyla stood close to Serena, worry painted on their faces.“I’m sorry, Sir,” Joaquin said. “I had to retrieve a medicine for her—something that can help her now.”Emilio narrowed his eyes, glancing at the small glowing vial in Joaquin’s hand. “What is that?”Before Joaquin could answer, James shot to his feet, his voice sharp with accusation.“What
Chapter 229: The Forbidden Groove
Joaquin stood at the edge of the massive forest, eyes fixed on the looming trees ahead.Just the sight of it sent an eerie sensation crawling down his spine—it had a presence. Heavy. Unnatural.Mist slithered across the forest floor like snakes in search of prey.The trees were impossibly tall, their bark a deep, lifeless gray. Their leaves didn’t even flutter despite the breeze.The stories were true—this place felt alive.He tightened his grip on his bag and stepped forward without hesitation.Inside, darkness swallowed him whole.Even though it was midday when he arrived at the Forbidden Grove, it felt as if the moment he entered, daylight was stripped away, replaced by a suffocating night.He pulled out his flashlight, its beam the only comfort in the growing blackness.No one had entered this forest in centuries.Not even the villagers who once worshipped the land dared to approach it anymore.Legends said the Grove was cursed—guarded by illusions, by spirits of the old blood, by
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
