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The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 91: Happy Memories
Joaquin stood by the hospital entrance, leaning casually against one of the pillars, but his eyes kept flicking toward the sliding glass doors. The anticipation buzzing through him was impossible to ignore. It was ridiculous — they’d spent so much time together at the hospital, working side by side in high-pressure situations. But waiting to take Serena out felt like an entirely different kind of pressure.Finally, the glass doors slid open, and there she was — Serena. The golden glow of the evening sun made her look even more radiant, her hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders, her eyes scanning the crowd until they landed on him.And when her face broke into a smile — that warm, breathtaking smile — Joaquin felt his heart do an embarrassing little flip.“Joaquin? Are you waiting for someone?” Serena teased as she approached, a playful glint in her eyes.He scratched the back of his head, feigning innocence. “Have you forgotten? We had plans, right? Dinner?”Serena blinked,
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 92: She's Awake
The sharp, insistent sound of his phone dragged Joaquin out of a deep, dreamless sleep. Groaning, he reached blindly toward his nightstand, but before he could grab it, his door burst open.“Joaquin!” Jasmine’s voice was a mix of irritation and urgency. “Answer your phone! It’s been ringing non-stop!”He forced his eyes open, squinting against the morning light pouring through the curtains. His body protested every movement — not because of exhaustion, but because he’d barely gotten any sleep. His mind had been replaying last night on a loop: Serena’s laughter at the carnival, the warmth of her hand brushing his, the way her eyes sparkled when she hugged that ridiculous teddy bear.“Alright, alright,” he muttered, grabbing his phone just as it started ringing again. Seeing the hospital’s number flash on the screen, his heart immediately kicked up its pace. He sat up straight. “This is Dr. Lopez.”“Dr. Lopez, you need to come in. It’s Faye De Vera. She’s awake — and she’s not doing we
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 93: The Offer
Joaquin sat in the plush, overly extravagant chair in James Villareal’s office, his posture tense and guarded. The faint scent of expensive cologne lingered in the air, mixing with the rich aroma of freshly brewed tea.“Tea?” James offered, his voice smooth and polite, though his sharp eyes gleamed with something far less friendly.Joaquin hesitated. He didn’t trust James — not one bit — but declining the offer might seem suspicious. Reluctantly, he reached out and took the delicate porcelain cup from James’s outstretched hand.“Thank you,” Joaquin said, keeping his tone neutral.James’s smile was pleasant, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Of course. I appreciate you making time for this meeting, Dr. Lopez. I know how busy you are.”Joaquin took a cautious sip, the tea warm and fragrant, though it did little to calm the unease tightening his chest. He set the cup down on the glass table between them, his gaze steady. “Your secretary said this was urgent. Is this about the sen
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 94: Can't be save
Joaquin still couldn’t get his conversation with James out of his mind. He couldn’t wrap his head around why James would take an interest in that ring — a simple piece of jewelry that, for Joaquin, held a value no amount of money could match. But he knew he had to set those thoughts aside. Now wasn’t the time to dwell on it.There were more important matters that needed his attention.When he received Serena’s text, he didn’t waste any time and headed straight to the conference room. That’s where they were scheduled to meet with several doctors to discuss Faye De Vera’s case.As soon as he stepped inside, Joaquin could immediately feel the heavy tension in the air. The atmosphere was thick with doubt and frustration. Quietly, he took a seat at the far end of the long glass table, with Serena sliding into the chair beside him."Where have you been?" Serena whispered, her voice low but curious."Mr. Villareal asked for me," Joaquin replied in the same quiet tone.Serena’s forehead cre
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 95: Getting Ready
Joaquin was halfway through reviewing a patient’s chart when his phone buzzed.Glancing at the screen, he saw Rick’s name flash. He felt a familiar weight settle over him. Taking a breath, he stepped out into the hallway and pressed the phone to his ear."Rick.""Joaquin," Rick’s voice was as cool and steady as ever. "Figured I’d remind you — the Blue Tiger Ranking is happening in five months. You ready?"Joaquin exhaled slowly, his eyes flicking down the corridor. Five months. It felt both too far away and dangerously close. "I’ll be ready," he said, his tone firm despite the storm brewing inside him."You better be," Rick replied. "You know what's at stake. You’ve been slipping — distracted. I get it. But it’s time to focus. Start your training now. No more excuses.""I will," Joaquin said, his voice a little sharper this time. He knew Rick was right, but that didn’t make it any easier to hear. He was stretched thin already — between his patients, the hospital politics, and everythi
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 96: Nothing will help
Joaquin hadn’t even made it back to his office when his phone buzzed again. He sighed. It was part of his job as a doctor, the constant call from everyone. But sometimes it took his energy out. Then he frowned when he saw who was calling. He immediately answered it. Dr. Lim wasn’t the kind of man you kept waiting for.“Director Lim. It’s Dr. Lopez. Do you need anything?” Joaquin answered, his voice calm despite the unease curling in his stomach.“Yes. Come to my office now if you are not busy.” “Sure. I’ll be coming, Sir.” The line went dead.Joaquin didn’t waste any time. He turned on his heel and headed toward the director’s office, his mind already working through the possibilities. When he reached the office, the secretary barely glanced up before waving him through.Dr. Matias Lim sat behind his large, meticulously organized desk, his sharp eyes focused on a folder in front of him. The room smelled of coffee and paper — familiar, but somehow oppressive today."Dr. Lopez,"
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 97: The Surgery
“Are you ready?” Serena’s voice was soft, but the concern behind it was unmistakable.Joaquin took a deep breath, trying to push down the storm raging inside him. Ready? Did he even have a choice? Ready or not, Faye De Vera needed him — and he couldn’t afford to fail.“Yes,” he said, his voice steady, even if his heart wasn’t.Serena studied him, her dark eyes searching his face. “I believe in you, Joaquin. You should know that.”The words hit him harder than he expected. In this hospital, where whispers of doubt and sabotage followed his every move, Serena’s faith was a rare and precious thing.He offered her a small, grateful smile. “Thank you, Serena.”And just like that, some of the weight on his chest lifted. At least he wasn’t alone in this.Together, they made their way to the operating room. Faye was already there, unconscious under the effects of the anesthesia. The steady beeping of the monitors was the only sound, a constant reminder of the fragile balance between life and
The Doctor's Reckoning Chapter 98: Hope didn't last
“Here.”Joaquin looked up, pulled from his thoughts by the warm scent of coffee. Serena stood in front of him, holding out a cup with a small smile. He took it gratefully, his fingers brushing hers for a brief second.“Thanks,” he said, offering a tired smile.She sat beside him on the bench, and for a while, they just sat in silence. The rooftop breeze was cool against his face, a welcome relief from the suffocating tension of the hospital. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting golden light over the city below — but even the beauty of the moment couldn’t ease the tightness in his chest.“Don’t stress too much, Joaquin. I know you did it,” Serena said softly, her voice gentle and encouraging.He smirked, taking a slow sip from the cup. The warmth seeped into him, though it did little for the cold worry gnawing at his insides. “I hope so,” he murmured. He sighed heavily, the weight of the last few days pressing down on him. “Thanks for the coffee, by the way.”“Wow.” Serena’s lips c
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Chapter 200: The Ring’s Reckoning
The sting of blood in his mouth was sharp.Metallic.Familiar.But it was the pressure in his gut—the searing pain of Lina's clawed hand still warm from piercing him—that blurred the edges of Joaquin’s vision.He couldn’t move.Not right away.His body was frozen from shock, heat and cold dancing across his spine like a cruel joke.He gasped for air, lips trembling, eyes barely holding onto the sight of Lina’s triumphant smirk.“Thanks for surrendering the ring to me,” she whispered again, her voice soaked in vict
Chapter 199: The Final battle 1
The arena was silent.Joaquin couldn’t deny the nerves coiling in his stomach as he stood at the edge, preparing for his final match.He had triumphed in his last two battles. But even before this one began, he knew—it was going to be hard.Not because his opponent was powerful.But because once again, he would be facing her—Lina.The same girl who had stolen his ring.To this day, she hadn’t given him a single reason why.He used to think he didn’t want to know. But when he saw her fight, he realized—there was som
Chapter 198: Shadows and Sparks
After his earlier match, Joaquin chose to stay in the room for a while longer, waiting for the call to his next battle.Outside, the muffled cheers of the crowd echoed through the concrete walls—constant, rhythmic waves of energy that reminded him: the war was far from over.He shut his eyes for a moment and let the ambient noise fade into the background.Then came a soft knock.A young attendant peeked in, eyes wide with a mixture of excitement and nerves. “Mr. Lopez, the next round’s schedule has been posted. Your match is in two hours.”Joaquin gave a small nod, offering a faint but polite smile. “Thank you.”As the door clicked shut, he stoo
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.
—— To be Continued... ——
