Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

On the platform, Mosby and Andrew stood on opposite ends, locked in a silent stare. The original third contender, Thomas, had already left in quiet defeat.

Mosby said, "Andrew, a shared first place is a win-win for both of us. Why not just take the prize and walk away happy? That way, we both leave this on a high note."

He was still trying to talk Andrew out of the final match.

Andrew glanced at him and replied with a light laugh. "Dr. Lake, are you chickening out?"

Mosby's face darkened. "Me? Scared? You think that's possible? I'm suggesting this for our benefit. I've seen your skills now-they're no less than mine. But if you want to surpass me, you'd need at least another ten, maybe 20 years."

Andrew rolled his eyes, clearly losing patience. "Mosby, quit blowing smoke. You know damn well that when it comes to medicine, you're not even fit to carry my bag."noveldrama

That blatant slap in the face sent Mosby into a rage. His eyes flared, and he roared, "Fine! Then I'll fight you to the bitter end! If I don't make you taste humiliating defeat today, I'm not worthy of being called a medical master!"

To be honest, if this were not the Grand Medical Summit, and more like an underground brawl, he might have already gone for Andrew's throat. The kid was just that insufferable.

Of course, going off-script like that would have only backfired he would get destroyed either way.

On the judges' platform, Preston and Clifford leaned forward and asked, "Gentlemen, how would you like to compete?"

This was uncharted territory. In the Summit's entire history, a Round 11 had never happened before, so they looked completely lost.

Mosby scoffed and clasped his hands behind his back, striking a poised and dignified stance. "As the senior here, I'll give you the first move. Andrew, don't go telling others I bullied you. Go ahead-whatever tricks you've got, I'll take them all."

That pretentious air somehow won him a few nods of approval from the crowd- he still carried the aura of a medical master.

Andrew replied flatly, "Why don't you go ahead and pick the challenge? If I do it, it might be too hard, and you'll just say I'm being unfair."

Mosby's face flushed. It felt like getting slapped across the face in front of a full house. His hand trembled as he pointed at Andrew. "You little punk, how dare you! Name the challenge. If you can stump me, I'll give you the win, no questions asked. You'll be the sole champion of this Grand Medical Summit-I'll concede without hesitation!"

After all, he was able to pass the most difficult alchemy in ancient medical practice and brew the Golden Cure. There was no way he would tet himself believe Andrew

could actually come up withou

something to beat him.

In the worst-case scenario, he would still push through and survive. As long as he made it through, he would not lose.

Andrew tilted his head and thought for a moment before speaking. "How about... acupuncture techniques?"

Mosby flicked his sleeve dramatically, and a line of silver needles rolled out. He scoffed. "Acupuncture? Bring it on. I'm not afraid of you."

However, Andrew shook his head. "No, acupuncture's flashy and gimmicky. Kinda boring."

Mosby clenched his fists and forced himself not to explode. "Fine. No acupuncture. Then what? Hurry up and decide already!"

Andrew tapped his chin, then said, "Alright, let's test pressure-point control specifically, accuracy over the 12 primary meridians and the full cycle of 360 acupoints in the human body."

Mosby let out a derisive laugh. "Child's play. I could do that blindfolded when I

was 15. Watch yourself you're about to embarrass yourself."

Andrew waved him off. "Eh, never mind. Let's go with something else."

The veins on Mosby's forehead bulged. "Can you make up your mind already? First this, then that—are you stalling because you're scared?"

Laughter erupted from the audience.

At this rate, Mosby might not even get the chance to compete-Andrew would piss him off to death first.

Quinton, Christina, and Rafael, who had all been rooting against Andrew, chuckled coldly from the sidelines.

Dragging it out like this? Clearly, this kid did not have anything planned; he was just a flashy clown.

However, Andrew calmly said, "I've

got it, Dr. Lake. Let's settle this with this one challenge. It'll decide not just who's better, but who walks away alive as well."