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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
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 37: VIP Client 1
The moment the announcement echoed through the hospital, Joaquin and Serena sprinted toward the ICU, their footsteps pounding against the pristine tile floors. Nurses and doctors were already in motion, the tension in the air thick enough to choke on. The atmosphere was suffocating with urgency—the kind that only came when a life was hanging by a thread.Joaquin pushed through the ICU doors, his sharp gaze sweeping over the chaotic scene in front of him. The room was filled with the relentless beeping of monitors, hushed whispers of uncertainty, and the barely contained panic of medical staff who didn’t know what to do next.In the center of it all, a man lay unconscious on the hospital bed. His skin was pale, his body trembling slightly as the monitors blared out warnings. The sight was grim.A nurse rushed toward them, breathless. “Dr. Del Mar, Dr. Reyes—thank God you’re here.”Serena immediately stepped forward. “Status?”The nurse swallowed hard. “VIP patient, Mr. Lorenzo Diaz. He
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 38: Life and Death surgery
Outside the ICU, the Diaz family stood impatiently, their presence almost suffocating. The air around them was thick with tension, as if the entire hospital had bent to their will.Lorenzo’s wife, Isabella Diaz, was a formidable woman in her fifties, her elegant features sharp with worry. Dressed in a tailored dress and pearl earrings, she exuded an aura of power that made even seasoned doctors nervous. Beside her stood their eldest son, Miguel, his cold, calculating eyes surveying the medical staff like a predator searching for weakness.The Diaz family was infamous. The wealthiest in the next town over, their influence stretched beyond legal enterprises. Whispers of their connection to a powerful mafia organization sent shivers down the spines of those who dared to cross them.When Joaquin and Serena stepped out of the ICU to speak to them, Isabella immediately stormed forward, her heels clicking sharply against the tile.“What’s taking so long? My husband is dying in there!” she cr
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 39: Respect Earned
Hours later, Joaquin and Serena stepped out of the operating room, exhaustion pressing down on them like a heavy weight. Their scrubs were damp with sweat, and despite the success of the procedure, the adrenaline that had kept them going was finally wearing off.“You did it, Joaquin,” Serena said as they washed their hands. Her voice was laced with both pride and relief. “You should be proud of yourself.”Joaquin offered a small smile. “You too.”Serena smirked. “Oh, please. I barely did anything. You handled the entire surgery on your own. That was one of the riskiest procedures in this hospital’s history, and you pulled it off flawlessly.”Joaquin nodded, but he wasn’t seeking praise. What mattered most was that the surgery was successful. Now, there was only one thing left to do—face the Diaz family.As they walked toward the waiting area, the tension in the air was palpable. The Diaz family stood just outside the surgery doors, their expressions unreadable. Isabella Diaz, usually
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 40: He is missing
Mikyla and Carlo moved swiftly through the hospital corridors, their hurried footsteps echoing against the sterile white floors. The air was thick with urgency, their minds racing with a single question—where the hell was Andrew?They reached Mr. Alvarez’s office in record time, barely pausing before pushing the door open.Mr. Alvarez looked up from his paperwork, startled by their abrupt entrance. He raised a single brow, clearly unimpressed by the intrusion.“What is the meaning of this?” he asked coolly, setting down his pen.Carlo spoke first. “Sir, Andrew is missing.”Mr. Alvarez’s gaze flickered between them. “Missing?” His voice was calm, but his eyes darkened. “What do you mean? He’s in his room, isn’t he?” His attention shifted to Mikyla.Mikyla stepped forward, arms crossed over her chest. “I last saw him yesterday, but after that, he just vanished. I’ve been trying to call him, but his phone is off.”Antonio leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled together. “People d
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 41: No Enough time
Joaquin had just stepped out of the hospital when his phone buzzed in his coat pocket. He barely glanced at the screen before answering.“Mr. Smith, do you—”"Joaquin, we have a problem," Rick’s voice was tight with urgency, cutting straight to the point. "I need you at Mr. Suarez's house. Now. Our driver is on the way to pick you up."Joaquin straightened, sensing the tension in Rick’s voice. He wasn’t the type to panic.“What happened?”“Just get here. Now.”Joaquin didn’t waste another second.“I’m on my way.”The moment the call ended, a black sedan pulled up in front of him. Without hesitation, he slid into the backseat.—The drive to the Suarez estate was a blur of headlights and adrenaline.Joaquin barely registered the city streets flashing past as he clenched his fists, mind racing. The bloodletting should have bought Miguel more time, at least a week. It had only been a few days, and yet… his condition had worsened.Something wasn’t right.By the time they reached the tower
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 42: Secrets
“His name is Shinran Jack,” Rick began, his tone grave. “He trained with me when I first started working as Mr. Suarez’s bodyguard. He also knows the Dragon King personally. That’s why it’s strange that I can’t reach him now.”Joaquin leaned back, crossing his arms. “You think something happened to him?”Rick exhaled sharply. “I don’t know. But Shinran Jack isn’t the type to disappear. Something’s not right.”Joaquin’s gaze flickered toward Miguel, whose breathing remained shallow despite the temporary stabilization. The bloodletting had helped, but it was a bandage over a wound that was still festering beneath the surface.“Are you sure he’s the right person for this?” Joaquin asked.Rick gave him a firm nod. “Shinran Jack is a master of acupuncture. He’s healed people from illnesses deemed impossible to cure. If anyone can help Miguel, it’s him.”Joaquin didn’t hesitate. “Then we leave tomorrow. We can’t afford to wait any longer.”Rick let out a deep sigh. “I won’t be going with yo
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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
