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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
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 35: You like her?
The next morning, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and buttered toast filled the small apartment as Jasmine and Joaquin sat across from each other at the dining table.It was a simple breakfast—scrambled eggs, toast, and coffee—but after everything that had happened the day before, it felt like the most peaceful meal in a long time.Joaquin watched as Jasmine carefully spread butter on her toast. He frowned, concern tightening in his chest.“You didn’t have to do this, Jasmine,” he said, his voice laced with worry. “You should be resting instead.”Jasmine sighed, setting her knife down. “I can’t stay in bed for too long. If I do, I’ll just keep thinking about what happened.”Joaquin fell silent, guilt gnawing at him. He should’ve protected her better. He should’ve stopped it before it even began.“I’m sorry,” he said, voice barely above a whisper. “You shouldn’t have gone through that.”Jasmine gave him a small, reassuring smile. “It’s okay, Joaquin. I believe in you.”Joaquin sighe
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 36: Jealousy?
At the hospital, Joaquin went through his usual morning routine—checking on patients, reviewing charts, and making sure everything was in order. But no matter how much he tried to focus, his mind kept drifting back to what Jasmine had said at breakfast.Serena and him? That was ridiculous.She was his boss. His friend.And besides, she deserved someone a hell of a lot better than him.“Joaquin!”Andrea’s voice rang out as soon as he entered her room.“I’ve been waiting for you!” she huffed, crossing her arms. “I called you a dozen times after you left. What the hell did you get yourself into?”Joaquin exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m sorry, Ms. Johnson. It’s a long story. But everything’s fine now. My sister is safe, and I’m back at work.”Andrea pouted, her expression softening just a little. “I don’t care about that. I have time—tell me what happened. How’s Jasmine?”Joaquin hesitated. How does she know about Jasmine?“She’s doing better now,” he finally said, watching An
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Chapter 197: The First Clash
Joaquin woke up early the next day, readying himself for his first match. Stage Two of the competition had officially begun.He was already inside the waiting room, silently preparing as he waited for his turn. From where he sat, he could hear the roar of the crowd echoing from the arena. There were a few matches scheduled before his, which gave him time—but not peace.The arena was vast—an expanse of polished concrete with high ceilings that amplified every sound. Bright lights bathed the place in a sterile glow, casting long shadows that danced with every movement. Rows upon rows of seats circled the central platform, where the fighters for Stage Two were beginning to prove themselv
Chapter 196: The Last 50
Joaquin adjusted the collar of his coat as he stood outside the grand venue, staring up at the towering building before him. The banquet for the fifty remaining contenders of the Blue Tiger Ranking Competition was being held at a luxury estate—one reserved for elite sponsors and facilitators. Nothing about this place felt casual. Every inch screamed prestige, wealth, and quiet pressure.He wasn’t nervous. But he wasn’t calm, either.For the past two days, he had trained relentlessly at the Suarez estate—throwing punches, dodging blows, simulating combat over and over again with Rick and Cedrick. He barely slept. Barely ate. Not because of the competition—
Chapter 195: A Celebration
After the announcement, Joaquin returned to the Suarez estate. He decided to spend the next three days there to prepare for the upcoming stage. He was already thinking of a plan—how to get his ring back.“Well, congratulations to you, Joaquin! I knew you'd make it,” Miguel said, beaming. He sounded like a proud father celebrating his son’s success.He raised his wine glass.Joaquin gave a small smile and toasted with him.As a celebration of his victory, Miguel had prepared a dinner.Rick and Cedrick were also there to join them.Miguel sat at the center of the long dining table. His son sat to his right, while Joaquin sat to his left.
Chapter 194: The Announcement
Joaquin didn’t stay long at the hospital. As soon as he had recovered, he left immediately. An invitation card had arrived for him—sent by the facilitator of the Blue Tiger Ranking Competition. That day, the winners of Stage One would be officially announced.Joaquin didn’t really want to go. But he had something he needed to get back. He had to reclaim his ring. And he was certain Lina would be there.He didn’t bother dressing up. He simply wore the formal suit Rick had lent him. Rick also drove him to the venue.He entered the hall.
Chapter 193: Lost Ring
Joaquin slowly opened his eyes.The hum of the fluorescent lights above was the first thing he became aware of. His vision adjusted gradually to the blinding white ceiling. For a few seconds, he just stared up in confusion. The sterile white walls, the smell of antiseptic, the pristine linens... it all registered in bits and pieces.A hospital?He turned his head cautiously. Beside him were machines softly beeping, their rhythm oddly comforting. A drip was attached to his arm. His head ached—not sharp pain, just a dull, persistent throb, like a faded memory of something violent.
Chapter 192: Ending
Joaquin continued walking, gripping his knife tightly. Even after that battle with the creature, he couldn’t let his guard down.His legs were dragging with every step. It was only then he realized one of them had a deep wound.Sure, it wasn’t his first time facing strange creatures—but never something like that... Half-human, or whatever it was.He had a strong suspicion it was part of the Black Viper Society. Maybe one of their failed experiments. Maybe that’s why it turned out that way.When he turned a corner in the maze, his legs finally gave out. He slumped to the ground and leaned against the wall, breathing deeply.
Chapter 191: Surviving
Joaquin didn’t dare blink.The moment he did, he knew he might miss the creature’s next move.The man—if you could even still call him that—stood there motionless, like a statue with skin far too pale to be human. Behind him, the dark tendrils writhed slowly, like snakes savoring their prey before they struck again. The sickening slither and hiss echoed against the stone walls of the maze, creeping beneath Joaquin’s skin.His heart pounded like war drums inside his chest.The thing’s empty eyes locked onto his.“I don’t want to fight you,” Joaquin said, his voice low but steady. “I just want to pass.”Still no respo
Chapter 190: The Tentacle Man
Joaquin’s breath hitched in his throat. His eyes remained fixed on the grotesque sight before him—a mass of long, writhing black tentacles snaking their way out from behind the man. They curled and stretched like they were alive, reaching toward him with eerie intent.He stumbled back, heart pounding against his chest. “What the hell are you?” he muttered under his breath.The man didn’t respond. He just stood there, still and unmoving, like some kind of twisted statue possessed by a dark force. His face was completely expressionless, void of any humanity. It was as if he wasn’t even really present—like the tentacles were controlling him.Joaquin’s eyes darted to the side. He could still run. He hadn’t gotten too close yet. Maybe if he turned around now, he could
Chapter 189: The Day
Joaquin slowly opened his eyes. It felt like his head was being split in two from the weight of it. When he remembered what had happened to him earlier, he suddenly sat up as if waking from a trance. He was startled to find himself in a completely different place. The last thing he remembered was being inside a car. But now, he was somewhere narrow, surrounded by walls covered in thick greenery. In front of him was a path, like a passageway.“Where am I?” Joaquin stood up and tuned
