"Lizzie, I will talk to Dr. Kevin Lang," Calvin said with a voice full of conviction, although he was slightly trembling due to the worries haunting his mind. "Maybe he can provide some relief or a payment postponement. Your surgery needs to be done urgently, and we can't wait any longer."
Lizzie's face looked full of concern as she listened to Calvin's words. Her gaze reflected disbelief and fear of the possibility of Calvin's efforts failing.
"But, Calvin, Dr. Lang is a jerk. He won't help us. It's clear he loves Alana and resents her marrying you. That man will surely make things difficult. Did you see what the nurses just did? They didn't want to help me, even though I was in pain. Whose orders do you think that was?" Lizzie gasped for breath as she still struggled to hold back her pain. The pain reliever she just took only had a slight effect.
Calvin took a deep breath, trying to calm himself before answering. "I have to try, Lizzie. We don't have any other choice. I can't let you suffer any longer."
“Calvin, Alana has stopped paying my medical bills for quite a while, hasn’t she?” Lizzie asked.
“How do you know–”
“She didn’t care about the contract because she already had her grandfather’s inheritance. She got what she wanted, and now she doesn’t need you anymore. Can’t you see that there is no way out? The only reason why Dr. Lang let me get my treatment here all this time is because of her,” Lizzie continues.
“Lizzie, what are you trying to say? I am not giving you up!” Calvin exclaimed.
Although Lizzie tried to convince him, Calvin was firm in his decision. Calvin left his sister's room, heading to the silent corridor, where his footsteps echoed in the empty yet tension-filled hallway.
"Calvin!" Lizzie called out in vain. Calvin didn't listen anymore.
Calvin arrived at the secretary's desk of Dr. Lang at the brightly lit end of the corridor. The desk looked majestic, symbolizing Dr. Lang's power and authority as the hospital director. Everybody knows that Kevin Lang got his position not because of his competence, it was because of his family. The Langs are one of the highly respected families in Hudden. They ran a chain of medical services throughout the country. It’s not a secret that Kevin Lang got his degree with a lot of help.
The secretary sitting behind the desk raised her head as Calvin approached. She stared at Calvin with a cold gaze, as if bothered by the presence of the guest.
"Sorry, Mr. Hudson, but Dr. Lang is very busy right now. I can't arrange a meeting for you," the secretary said in a cold and firm tone.
Calvin tried to explain, "This is very important, I just need a moment with Dr. Lang."
However, the secretary insisted. "I've already said, Dr. Lang cannot be disturbed. Please arrange an appointment with the receptionist. And don’t forget to pay all the bills before you ask for an appointment. That is necessary."
Calvin stared at the secretary with unwavering determination. "I know Dr. Lang is inside. This is a very important matter, and I need to speak with him now."
The secretary was about to object, but before she could say anything, the doctor's office door opened, and Kevin Lang emerged from inside. His gaze sharply surveyed the situation outside.
"What's going on here?" Kevin asked sharply, furrowing his brow as he scanned Calvin from head to toe in disdain.
The secretary immediately stepped forward. "Sorry, Dr. Lang. Mr. Calvin Hudson insisted on meeting with you. I've told him that your schedule is full, but he doesn't seem to understand."
Dr. Lang shook his head with annoyance, but his face remained serious. "Calvin, I knew it was you. You invite problems wherever you go. You know I can’t stand the stink of your poverty, so get lost!”."
Calvin swallowed his pride. "Dr. Lang, this is about the surgery for my sister! Please!” "
"I see now. Poor Calvin and his sister need some money for the surgery. Am I right?" said Kevin in an obvious mockery tone.
“Please, I just need two minutes!” Calvin said.
“I think this little rat won’t just go away before he gets what he wants, right?” Kevin said to his secretary. The woman starred mockingly toward Calvin and giggled.
“Okay, come in Calvin. Remember, only two minutes,” he said.
Calvin felt relieved to hear that approval. He followed Kevin into his office, his heart filled with hope that he would succeed in convincing the doctor to help Lizzie.
"Okay now cut the crap, start talking," Dr. Lang asked sharply, showing that he was impatient to wait.
Calvin didn't beat around the bush. "I want to ask if Lizzie's surgery can be done first before payment. I'm still working on the funds, and I promise I will pay as soon as possible."
Dr. Lang immediately sneered, looking at Calvin with a cynical look. "You? Pay? Don't be ridiculous, Calvin. You know very well that you can't afford it. And if the surgery is done before payment is made, what if you still can’t pay? Do you think I am a fool? "
Calvin asserted, "I will pay. Maybe by installments or finding another way. I won't give up."
Dr. Lang burst into laughter with a mocking expression. "You are hilarious! This hospital won’t accept installments or debts. Just face it, Calvin, you cannot pay the bill! Why don’t you just get your filthy ass out of here? And don’t forget to bring your dead sister with you!”
Calvin tried to defend his position, "She is still alive! Dr. Lang, you are a doctor. Shouldn’t you prioritize saving human lives?"
Dr. Lang sneered as he whispered, his indifferent face radiating cruelty. "Oh, so is your sister a human? Sorry, I thought she was a mere street rat, just like you. Street rats are not my concern. And you know what? I think she is better dead."
Calvin's heart pounded as he tried to swallow his anger and pride so many times in the last five minutes. He pleaded with Dr. Lang, desperation lacing every word that escaped his lips. "Dr. Lang, I beg of you, please help us. Lizzie's life hangs in the balance, and I'll do anything, anything at all, to save her. Please, find it in your heart to help."Kevin's response was nothing short of disdainful amusement. He chuckled condescendingly, his eyes alight with a cruel gleam. "Oh, Calvin, you're always the one in distress, aren't you? But perhaps there's a glimmer of hope for your dear sister."A flicker of optimism ignited in Calvin's eyes at the mere suggestion of a possibility. "Is there? Tell me, Doctor, what must I do?"Leaning back in his chair, Kevin's smirk widened, his demeanor oozing with self-assured superiority. "Well, well, well, it seems there's a chance to save Lizzie's life after all. But, Calvin, it comes at a price."Calvin's brows furrowed in confusion, his mind stru
With a tempest of emotions raging within him, Calvin stormed back to Lizzie's hospital room, his heart pounding with anxiety and anger.His mind is full with how to find a good doctor who will treat his sister. He was half regret his decision of not signing the divorce paper for his sister’s sake.However, just as he burst into the room, his eyes widened in disbelief at the sight of another patient occupying the space where his sister should have been.The shock sent a wave of panic coursing through him, and he frantically scanned the room, searching for any trace of Lizzie.Where was his sister?!Spotting a nurse hurrying past in the corridor, Calvin lunged forward, desperation evident in his voice as he called out to her."Wait! What happened to my sister? Where is she?" he demanded, his tone a mix of fear and frustration.The nurse, preoccupied with her duties, turned to face Calvin with a look of mild irritation. "Mr. Hudson, I am sure you know what happened. . Your sister's room
“Poor girl, why is she alone?”“Where are her parents? How can they be so irresponsible?”Bystanders gossiped and finger-pointed.Some of them turned their heads as if avoiding a horrific scene.As Calvin drew nearer, his heart raced like a wild stallion within his chest, each beat echoing the tumult of his emotions.Through the haze of panic and despair, he began to discern the outline of a figure sprawled on the unforgiving pavement, the stark contrast of blood against the pale surface sending a jolt of terror coursing through his veins.There, on the floor, laid his sister, broken and fragile.With a voice choked with dread and desperation, he called out his sister's name, the syllables hanging heavy in the air amidst the chaos of the crowd.Anxious faces turned towards him, eyes wide with fear and uncertainty, parting like a hesitant tide to make way for Calvin's frenzied approach.With every step, his lungs burned with the effort of drawing in air, his mind consumed by a singular
As the guards closed in on him, their hands outstretched to pull him away, Calvin's grip on his sister tightened with desperate determination.His eyes, blurred with tears of anguish, caught sight of a blood-stained piece of paper clutched in Lizzie's lifeless hand. With trembling hands, he reached out, his fingers quivering as he carefully unfolded the crumpled note.Each word on the paper felt like a dagger in Calvin's heart as he read Lizzie's final message. Her handwriting, smudged with blood and tears, conveyed a profound sense of sorrow and resignation.Tears flowed freely down Calvin's cheeks as he absorbed the weight of her farewell and apology."I'm so sorry, Calvin," the letter began, the ink blotched and smudged. "I can't bear to burden you any longer. Knowing I can't be saved, I've chosen to release you from the weight of my struggles. Please forgive me and remember that I love you always."Calvin's hands trembled as he clutched the letter to his chest, the weight of Lizzi
Upon arriving at the rundown apartment he shared with Lizzie before he married Alana, Calvin immediately put his newfound abilities to use. He starts preparing to operate on Lizzie with whatever makeshift tools he could gather. The dimly lit room became his makeshift operating theater, the urgency of the situation lending him an almost frenetic energy. "Stay with me, Lizzie," Calvin murmured, his voice a mix of determination and desperation, as he carefully positioned himself beside his sister's unconscious form on the makeshift operating table. With trembling hands but a steely resolve, Calvin began the intricate procedure, every movement precise yet fueled by an urgency born of love and necessity. The sound of his rapid breaths filled the small space as he navigated the delicate task before him, guided by instincts honed by the system within the golden amulet. As he worked, Calvin discovered an innate ability to channel his energy into Lizzie's body, a lifeforce transfusion of so
Kevin, seated across from Calvin, gave a subtle nod to Lucy, who wasted no time in carrying out her brother's silent command. With a forceful motion, she thrust the large brown envelope onto the rickety table before Calvin, the action underscored by her haughty demeanor."Sign it," Lucy demanded, her voice laced with contempt as she stared down at Calvin.Calvin's stomach churned with dread as he watched the envelope land with a heavy thud. He knew all too well what it contained—a legal decree signaling the end of his marriage to Alana. Despite the weight of the situation, he refused to yield, his resolve firm and unyielding."I've already told you, I won't sign it," Calvin retorted, his voice steady but tinged with defiance.Kevin's lips twisted into a scornful sneer, his eyes narrowing in disdain at Calvin's refusal. "Stubborn as ever," he muttered derisively, his tone dripping with disdain.As the tension in the room escalated, Kevin's gaze shifted to the nearby bed where Lizzie la
Lucy's voice sliced through the tense atmosphere, each word dripping with contempt. "You're just a foolish, stubborn man," she declared, her tone laced with venom. "Your stubbornness will be the death of your own sister." Her eyes bore into Calvin, accusing him of a grave sin without remorse. "Why Mrs. Perry chose you as her husband, even if it was just a contract, is beyond comprehension."Calvin's fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tight with pent-up frustration. "That's enough, Lucy!" he bellowed, his voice echoing off the dingy walls of the apartment. His anger surged, a tempest raging within him as he struggled to contain his fury.In a swift and determined stride, Calvin approached the door, his movements fueled by righteous indignation. With a forceful push, he swung it open, his gaze burning with defiance as he prepared to expel Lucy and Kevin from his sanctuary.But as the door swung wide, a chilling presence halted Calvin in his tracks. Alana stood there, her posture regal
Calvin realized Alana's true nature and resolved to sever all connections with her. Despite rejecting her offer of money, he acknowledged her past assistance and chose not to seek revenge. Instead, Calvin opted for a path of indifference towards Alana and Kevin, deciding to ignore them if they didn't provoke him further. He saw no benefit in prolonging any animosity and aimed to move forward without dwelling on past grievances. As Calvin moved to check on Lizzie's condition, a sharp knock echoed through the room, drawing his attention back to the door. With a heavy sigh, he approached and swung it open, revealing the imposing figures of Beatrice Perry, Alana's mother and her cunning sister, Giana. Their entrance was marked by an air of entitlement, their presence commanding attention. “What do you want?” Calvin asked. He felt so tired of facing this kind of people that he cannot be nice anymore. Beatrice wasted no time in getting to the point, her voice laced with steel as she add
As Calvin navigated the quiet streets, the stillness of the city seemed to echo his own sense of exhaustion. His hands gripped the steering wheel loosely, his mind drifting between thoughts of Lizzie and the uncertain path ahead. Suddenly, the silence was interrupted by a soft chime.[Ding!]The familiar sound of the system’s notification brought him back to the present. A faint blue light flickered on the small device attached to his wrist.[New Notification,] the system intoned, its voice calm and measured, a stark contrast to Calvin’s restlessness.“What is it this time?” Calvin muttered under his breath, keeping one hand on the wheel while activating the holographic interface with a quick swipe.The system’s screen illuminated his face as it began its explanation.[Dr. Hudson,] it started, [your recent accomplishments have brought you closer to unlocking the final legacy of your family. Only a few more points are required to access it fully.]Calvin’s brows furrowed. “Inheritance?
When Calvin arrived home, the weight of the past days pressed heavily on his shoulders. He didn’t bother turning on the lights as he entered, letting the darkness wrap around him like a familiar cloak. The house was silent, almost eerily so, but it offered the solitude he craved.His feet carried him automatically to the backyard. The moon cast a soft glow over the small garden, illuminating the simple headstone that marked Lizzie’s resting place.Calvin approached the grave and knelt down, his fingers brushing against the cool stone. For a moment, he simply sat there, the night air still and heavy around him.“I did it, Liz,” he said softly, his voice cracking under the weight of his emotions. “It’s over. San Wang is defeated, and the war is finished. Barrion can finally rebuild.”He paused, staring at the ground as memories of Lizzie flooded his mind. Her laughter, her courage, the way she always seemed to know the right thing to say.“I hope you’re proud of me,” Calvin whispered, h
Calvin’s journey back to Nooria was uneventful, but his mind was anything but calm. The weight of his actions in Bacca lingered heavily in his chest. Despite his victory, he felt no triumph—only exhaustion and the nagging thought that the peace he had brokered might be temporary.When the plane touched down in Nooria, the first thing Calvin noticed was the unusual bustle of activity at the airport. As he descended from the aircraft, he was met with silence—a heavy, anticipatory silence that made him pause.A crowd had gathered, and Calvin froze as he realized their eyes were fixed on him. Faces reflected a range of emotions: awe, gratitude, and disbelief. Some whispered to one another, others simply stared. Then, slowly, one person began clapping.The solitary applause rippled through the crowd like a spark igniting dry kindling. Within moments, the entire gathering erupted into cheers and applause, the sound filling the air with a roar of gratitude and admiration.“Calvin Hudson!” so
Calvin’s chest heaved as he faced San Wang once more, their weapons gleaming in the fading sunlight. The battlefield was eerily silent, save for the faint hum of San Wang’s blade and the rasp of Calvin’s labored breathing. The earlier clash had pushed both warriors to their limits, and the tension between them crackled like a storm on the brink of eruption.San Wang’s smirk returned as he lunged forward, his blade slicing through the air with deadly precision. Calvin parried, but the force of the attack sent him stumbling back. San Wang pressed his advantage, raining down a series of blows that Calvin barely managed to block. Each strike forced Calvin closer to the edge of the helicopter platform, where the abyss below waited hungrily.“You’ve fought valiantly, Guardian,” San Wang sneered, his blade locking against Calvin’s air-forged sword. “But your strength wanes. This ends now!”With a sudden twist, San Wang disarmed Calvin, sending his shimmering blade shattering into the ether.
The moment San Wang’s mocking words faded into the air, Calvin’s fury exploded into action. With a burst of telekinetic energy, he propelled himself into the sky, soaring toward the massive helicopter where the self-proclaimed king of Han Xin stood. The wind howled around him as he ascended, his figure a blur of raw power and determination.“Stop him!” San Wang barked, his voice sharp as steel.Elite soldiers poured out of the helicopter, their movements precise and disciplined. Each was clad in advanced combat armor, bristling with cutting-edge weaponry designed to neutralize powerful foes. But Calvin was no ordinary foe.The first wave of soldiers descended on Calvin mid-air, unleashing energy blasts from their gauntlets. Calvin raised his hand, the air around him thickening into a shield that absorbed the attacks. With a flick of his wrist, he sent the shield outward, a concussive wave that knocked the soldiers off their trajectory, their bodies spiraling toward the ground.Another
The air in Bacca seemed to hold its breath as the operatives formed a semicircle around Calvin, their weapons gleaming under the pale morning light. Dust swirled in lazy spirals around their boots, stirred by the slowing rotors of the helicopter that had just landed. Every soldier’s gaze was fixed on Calvin, but there was an edge of hesitation—none of them had ever faced an enemy like him.From the helicopter emerged a man dressed in a dark, impeccably tailored uniform. His steps were measured, calculated, exuding an air of authority that made the surrounding soldiers snap to attention. The man—Commander Yuan—wore a faint smirk as if he believed the battle was already won.“Guardian Calvin Hudson,” Yuan announced, his voice echoing through the desolate streets. “It’s an honor to finally meet you. Though I must admit, I didn’t expect you to come here willingly.”Calvin said nothing, his dark eyes scanning the operatives with measured precision. He noticed how their fingers twitched on
The sun had yet to rise when Calvin Hudson stepped onto the cracked pavement of Bacca. The air was heavy with the scent of decay and charred remnants of what was once a bustling, prosperous city. His footsteps echoed in the desolate streets, the sound amplified by the eerie silence of the ruins. Bacca, a city once celebrated for its strength and innovation, now lay in ruins—a mere shadow of its former self. Skyscrapers stood like jagged tombstones, their glass facades shattered, and the streets were littered with debris, a haunting testament to the destruction wrought by time and war.Calvin's gaze swept over the devastation, his heart heavy. The memories of the city's past vibrancy were fresh in his mind, a stark contrast to its current state. He hadn't come to mourn, though. He was here for answers—answers that only Bacca might hold about the Fountain of Health and the mysterious blue gemstones tied to its power.As he moved deeper into the city, Calvin remained oblivious to the sil
Calvin turned back to the old man, intending to ask, "Who are you, really?" But the words caught in his throat when he realized the wheelchair was empty.His eyes widened, and he quickly scanned the area. “Where did he go?” Calvin muttered under his breath. The space around him was quiet, filled only with the murmurs of volunteers and the soft groans of patients in the makeshift medical camp.He stepped forward, his gaze darting between the rows of cots and supply tents. “Excuse me,” he called out to a nurse passing by, her arms full of medical supplies.The young woman turned, tilting her head in curiosity. “Yes, Doctor? How can I help?”Calvin pointed to where the old man had been sitting. “Did you see the man in the wheelchair? The older man—he was sitting right there with me a moment ago.”The nurse frowned, her brow knitting in confusion. She glanced at the spot Calvin indicated, then back at him. “I’m sorry, Doctor, but… I didn’t see anyone. You’ve been sitting alone since I pas
The plane’s wheels screeched against the cracked runway as it landed in Nooria, a stark reminder of how fragile Barrion had become. Calvin stirred, his fatigue momentarily dissipating as he looked out the window. The sky was a haunting shade of red, the setting sun blending with the smoke that billowed from the horizon. Somewhere out there was Bacca, a place that had once been his home, now reduced to ashes by the relentless brutality of Han Xin.As the passengers disembarked, the air was thick with tension and the faint stench of burning. Calvin stepped onto the tarmac, his boots crunching against the gravel. His gaze immediately swept over Nooria—a city that once bustled with life, now turned into a fortress of survival. Armed soldiers patrolled the perimeter, their faces grim. Makeshift tents sprawled across the area, serving as shelters for refugees and field hospitals for the wounded.Calvin clenched his fists as he caught sight of the distant plumes of smoke rising from Bacca. W