The Curax that Dustin produced was different from the regular Curax in terms of color, scent, and size."Hmph! So what if he managed to produce the pill? Just looking at it, we can tell its quality is not up to standard!" Miranda folded her arms arrogantly."Exactly! The test for the second round is to compare the quality of pills that we've produced. This pill that he produced from an exploded furnace is definitely trash!" Preston regained his confidence. The pill he produced was good quality, and Dustin's was a low grade. They were on completely different levels!"How weird …" The invigilator studied the pill for a while. Because he was scared to make a decision by himself, he took the pill and showed it to Linden and the rest of the elders. "Dr. Watkins and elders. I think there's something strange about this Curax. But I am not sure.""Oh? Is that so? Let me see?" An elder took the pill and looked at it seriously. Then, he was shocked."Dr. Watkins, this young man is somet
"What? He changed the recipe?" Everyone was surprised by Linden's explanation.Every recipe was created only after millions of experiments. The smallest change in ingredients or dosage would disrupt its balance and cause the production of the pill to fail.For someone to change the recipe, they needed talent and lots of experiments. For someone to be able to change up the recipe on the spot and succeed right away, he had to have crazy good luck, or he must be a medical genius who was out of this world."No way! That's impossible!" After a moment of shock, Preston continued, "There's no way you can change the recipe so easily! Even my mentor can't change a recipe that's meant to produce a good quality pill into one that produces top grade pills within such a short time frame! How is it possible that this bastard can do that?""Exactly! He's just an ordinary doctor! How would he be able to change the recipe?" Miranda added. Even with her talent, she was still unable to do something
Linden looked around the place.There were only a few who made it through the second round. They were either very skillful or extremely gifted."I'll go first!" A middle-aged man stepped forward confidently. It was finally time he showed off his 20 years' worth of experience with acupuncture.He walked up to the old man and examined him closely. Then, he felt his pulse. Finally, he took out several silver needles and inserted them into different pressure points on the old man's leg. But the patient stayed expressionless and did not react at all. The middle-aged man frowned and continued inserting several more needles, but it was all useless."Time's up! You have failed!" the invigilator announced all of a sudden."Wait! I'll try one more time." The middle-aged man did not want to accept his failure."Drag him away!" The invigilator did not want to waste any more time and ordered other disciples to drag the middle-aged man away."Hah! How could he just perform acupuncture witho
"His toe moved!""Oh, my God! It worked! That's amazing!""No wonder he's Dr. Darby's best student!"Everyone was shocked to see the old man's toe twitch. After all, doctors must be highly skilled and talented if they wanted to pass the third test. Yet all the other doctors had failed to treat the old man. On the other hand, Preston managed to make the old man's toes twitch when his legs had been paralyzed for the last eight years. It was amazing!"How do you feel, sir?" Preston removed his silver needle and smiled. "I—I think I'm starting to feel my legs again!" The old man was overjoyed. Since he lost all sensations in his legs, nothing he did could make them react anymore. Now, his legs felt numb, and he could even control some of his toes. Although the results were just small changes, it was still a miracle for someone who had been in such a state for the last eight years. "That's good to hear. You've been paralyzed for too long, so you'll take a while to recover. But
The old man pinched his thigh and was happy to feel a slight pain. His legs had been completely numb before this, but he was slowly regaining sensation in his legs. This was wonderful! "There. All done." Miranda grinned as she observed her work. "You must be extremely talented to be able to treat his symptoms so quickly. No wonder you're a genius in the medical field!" The invigilator was pleased."So I guess that means I passed?" Miranda raised an eyebrow. "Of course. Both of you passed with flying colors," the invigilator answered with a smile. His answer made Preston and Miranda very happy.They had initially received full marks on the first two tests. But because of Dustin, their marks dropped after the second round. Still, thanks to this round, they've managed to raise their points back up again. "Did you see that, bastard? That's how good our medical skills are!" Preston taunted. "It only took us half an hour to let this patient regain feelings in his legs after being p
"What?" Everyone was shocked to see the old man jump up, and their jaws dropped in disbelief. None of them expected the paralyzed old man to stand up so suddenly. They also couldn't believe that it had only taken Dustin a single needle to cure the man's paralysis. "I—Is this real? Did that old man just stand up?""What the hell is going on? Did he really cure that old man with a single needle?""Holy shit! That's amazing!"After a silent pause, an uproar broke out. All the scornful looks Dustin had received earlier had turned to shock. "I—Impossible!""How can a patient like that stand up so soon?" Preston shook his head, not believing what he was. He refused to accept that Dustin could cure a patient in three minutes when he needed a month. "How can this be? How did he do that?" Miranda was stunned. As someone who claimed to be a genius in the medical field and was better than her peers, her confidence had been destroyed by Dustin. For a condition that she struggled to t
"You—" Preston cut off, his face red with anger. However, even Miranda was forced to stay silent. "Well, they do say that heroes come in all ages." Linden stood up and beamed. He added, "Congratulations on beating everyone else. So, tell me your wish. As long as it's within my power, I'll try my best to get it done!" Most people joined the competition to join Stoneray Order, but some would request and ask Linden for rare gems, ancient medical texts, panaceas, and more."You're as generous as rumors say. Well, I'll be straightforward. I'm actually here for your thousand-year green lotus," Dustin answered frankly. "Thousand-year green lotus? It's a rare herb. I must say, you're quite ambitious." Linden raised an eyebrow. "Why? You can't give it to me?" Dustin wore a fake smile. "It might be a valuable herb, but I don't mind giving it to you." Linden chuckled. "Bring me the herb!""Yes, sir!" The invigilator left quickly and returned, holding a wooden box. The box opened t
"This is a joke, right, sir? I—it isn't proper to promote him to an elder when he just joined the group!""He's right, Dr. Watkins. This is the first time there's been an exception like this. That's not normal!""Sir, we know you favor talented individuals, but I'm afraid others might be unhappy with your decision."The elders and many disciples of the Stoneray Order were upset when they heard that Linden would promote Dustin to elder, which was only one rank below the assistant leader.Disciples usually started as junior disciples before becoming intermediate disciples. Then, they would be promoted to senior disciples. As senior disciples, if they made any major contributions, they would be promoted to upper disciples. Upper disciples were then categorized into three classes—upper third, upper second, and upper first. Only upper first disciples had a chance of being promoted to elder.Getting promoted to a higher rank took years, so for a junior disciple to climb the ranks and
Ten minutes later, Warrick was escorted out of Room A1 again.Axel's demeanor had completely changed since their first meeting, and he had become unusually warm."Sir Prescott, Lord Austin has concluded the investigation. It turns out this matter has nothing to do with you. We made a mistake earlier, and I apologize for any offense caused." He smiled apologetically and spoke with a humble tone."Hm?" Seeing the fawning expression on Axel's face, Warrick raised an eyebrow and looked surprised. Just moments ago, the two sides had been at each other's throats. What had caused such a sudden change?"Did you really investigate it thoroughly?" Warrick asked tentatively."Of course! According to our findings, Jovian's disappearance was the result of a personal vendetta from his enemies in Oakvale," Axel said with a straight face.He continued, "He was a tyrant and always stirring up trouble everywhere he went. He got what was coming to him. Lord Austin only launched the investigation
"After you, Sir Prescott." With one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, Axel's other hand gestured toward the door."Hmph!" Warrick shot a cold glance at Axel's subtle movement and then turned to leave the meeting room.Even if Austin had his suspicions, Warrick knew he couldn't do anything to him without concrete evidence.Axel escorted Warrick back to Room A1. After closing the door, he went to Room A2 and led Huxley to the meeting room."Your Highness, it is my privilege to stand before you." Huxley entered the meeting room with a respectful salute."Mr. Thatcher, please take a seat." Austin's face remained neutral as he gestured for Huxley to sit, then motioned for Axel to pour him a cup of tea."Do you know why I've summoned you here today?" Austin spoke calmly, and his words carried the same probing tone as earlier."Is it about Jovian's disappearance?" Huxley asked in return."Oh? It seems you're quick on the uptake." Austin raised an eyebrow. "In that case, g
The enforcement team worked with remarkable efficiency. Within an hour, Huxley, Warrick, and Percival had been brought back to the castle.Per Austin's instructions, Axel made sure the three met briefly upon arrival, though they were given no opportunity to speak to one another. Afterward, they were taken to separate rooms and were guarded individually.Due to their status, the enforcement team treated them with respect, offering them tea and wine. However, they weren't allowed to leave their rooms and had to wait for Austin to summon them.Warrick was confined to Room A1, Huxley to Room A2, and Percival to Room A3. Their rooms were right next to each other, separated only by thin walls. If they stepped out, they would see one another, but none of them knew how close they were.This, of course, was all part of Austin's plan. He knew that extracting the truth from these three cunning foxes would require unconventional tactics.…Inside Room A1, Warrick sat calmly, sipping his te
"Hm?"Even Warrick frowned at the news.The royal enforcement team was rarely mobilized. When they did, it was always for something monumental. The question was, did a minor figure like Jovian Ballard really warrant such attention from Austin?"Mr. Thatcher, are you sure the royal enforcement team has been mobilized? And it's because of Jovian?" Warrick asked skeptically."Of course I'm sure," Huxley replied with a grave expression. "I've just received orders from above. The enforcement team captain will be taking over my duties temporarily. From now on, they'll have full control over the city's defense and investigative operations.""That's strange. Why would Lord Austin go to such lengths for someone so insignificant?" Warrick was confused, his brow furrowing.According to his intel, this was the first time Jovian and Austin had even met. Even if they had crossed paths before, it shouldn't have been enough to justify deploying the enforcement team.It seemed Warrick had undere
The next morning, after breakfast at the West Lucozian castle, Austin tried calling Jovian. However, his calls went unanswered. After several attempts, he still couldn't get through."Huh?" Austin was puzzled. They had made plans the previous day to head to Oakvale that day. Why was Jovian suddenly unreachable? Had he stood Austin up?After thinking it over, he found that unlikely. He and Jovian had gotten along well and even called each other brothers. On top of that, they had promised to travel together and watch out for one another.If Jovian had an urgent matter that required him to leave West Lucozia, he would have at least given Austin a heads-up. Jovian wouldn't just disappear without a word."Could something have happened to him?" Austin's unease grew. He quickly summoned his trusted aide. "Go find out where Jovian is. Report back to me as soon as you have any information.""Yes, Your Highness," the aide replied before hurrying off.Austin poured himself a cup of tea
A dull sound echoed through the air.Jovian's body shuddered. Blood streamed from his eyes, ears, and nose as he crumpled to the ground, lifeless. He was dead. After fighting to his last breath, he had chosen the only honorable way out.The scene had left even the assassins, who were no strangers to bloodshed, momentarily stunned. Taking one's own life so decisively wasn't something just anyone could do. Even the lowest of creatures had the instinct to cling to life, let alone a human being."This guy… He's ruthless," Ronan muttered, and his face darkened.Warrick had given strict orders to capture Jovian alive, but now he was dead. Now, Ronan had no way to deliver. If he had known it would come to this, he would have personally intervened to kill Jovian first."What now, boss?" one of the assassins asked."Clean up the scene," Ronan ordered. "I'll take the body back myself." With that, he hoisted Jovian's body onto his shoulder, tossed it into the vehicle, and drove off.…W
The sounds of battle echoed under the streetlights. Shouts of pain mixed with the clash of weapons could be heard. Five figures were locked in a deadly struggle, and blood splattered across the ground.The fight raged for nearly half an hour until the noise gradually subsided. The five figures lay motionless in pools of blood.Under the dim glow of the streetlights, three of the black-clad assassins were confirmed dead. One's neck was snapped, another's chest pierced, and the last had bled out from a fatal wound.Jovian and Boston were in no better condition.Boston was soaked in blood. His body was riddled with deep cuts, some so severe they exposed the bone beneath.Jovian wasn't much better. His abdomen and shoulder were slashed. His right arm had been severed, and he was left in a pitiful state.Boston coughed. After taking down the last assassin, he collapsed to the ground. He gasped for air as blood poured from his mouth. His chest and abdomen were torn open, and his orga
"Jovian, listen to me. West Lucozia's trouble runs deep. You won't be able to handle it. You need to get out of there," Boston urged.When Jovian remained silent, Boston couldn't hide his growing concern. After all, they were comrades, and he didn't want to see his friend die on the street."You're right. I'm not afraid if they come at me head-on. What worries me is if they come at me from behind."After hesitating for a moment, Jovian nodded. "Alright, Boston. Take me back to the hotel. I'll pack my things.""Now that's more like it." Boston sighed in relief. "As they say, there's always a chance as long as you're alive. The most important thing is to stay safe.""Thanks, man. I'll buy you a drink next time." Jovian smiled.Without Boston's constant advice, Jovian might have taken a chance. But if things went south, he'd regret it too late.Back at the hotel, Jovian wasted no time. He packed quickly, then hopped into Boston's car to head to the airport. With the burden lifted,
"Gentlemen, I've done my part and had my tea already. I still have things to take care of, so I'll leave now. Farewell!" Jovian said.When no one responded, he didn't say another word. He nodded respectfully, stood up, and exited the room.When the door opened, Warrick's face darkened, and his hand instinctively moved toward the hilt of his sword. But before he could act, Huxley gently touched his arm and shook his head.Jovian noticed something was off and paused at the doorway before stepping out.Boston, who was standing by the door, let out a quiet sigh of relief as he watched Jovian leave without a scratch. His relief was short-lived, though, when he saw the grim expressions on the faces of the three men inside.It was clear that the meeting hadn't gone well. Fortunately, nothing too serious had happened. Otherwise, Boston would have much explaining to do to both sides."Why did you stop me? That arrogant brat clearly doesn't respect us. He'll think we're pushovers if we don